Cloudy water

[boston02122]

So I've had my tank for 3 years now. Just introduced coral about a month ago. And out of the blue my water is cloudy. Any ideas

 

[nhat]

Bacterial bloom? Best bet now is do a waterchange

 

[boston02122]

Would losing power for like 3 hours and the combination of the added coral be something that could contribute to the water gettng cloudy.

 

[jetmaker]

Uv steralizer

 

[Anirban]

Coral additions generally dont create cloudiness in your water but power outage can create bacterial bloom. If its bacterial bloom you can do few things...

1. Just sit tight and wait. If possible you can put your skimmer to skim a little wet that will get rid of the bacteria.
2. Do a water change to to get rid of it faster as suggested by @nhat
3. If still its there then to blast them out you can use a steriliser as suggested by @jetmaker

But I would wait for at least 12 hours and observe the system before doing anything if the water is not very cloudy.

 

[mikesilverado8888]

So I've had my tank for 3 years now. Just introduced coral about a month ago. And out of the blue my water is cloudy. Any ideas

My tank been going for a year or so now and not put anything in to it for months so why is that. My pistol shrimp kick up the sand so maybe that's it?

 

[boston02122]

I've been on the fence with a uv sterilizer. Maybe more research is needed. I did a quick water change. So I will sit tight for now. Thanks ks for the information.

 

[jetmaker]

I've been on the fence with a uv sterilizer. Maybe more research is needed. I did a quick water change. So I will sit tight for now. Thanks ks for the information.

Uv steralizer will clear it overnight. Plus you won't get it back.

 

[millertyler22]

I agree with the uv sterilizer option
I had cloudy water for about a week I did multiple water changes 20% 40% and 60% they did nothing put the uv sterilizer in and it cleared it in about 36 hours and has stayed clear ever since

 

[boston02122]

What size in the experience of you all would be sufficient for a75 gallon worth a 40 breeder for a sump. .

 

[jetmaker]

Coralife 9 or18 watt be fine.

 

[FireEMT]

I just went through a bacteria bloom a couple weeks ago (new tank). I was thinking about the UV option as well but tried the wet skimming for awhile first. The wet skimming worked after a couple days and had been crystal clear since. Hope yours clears up soon.

 

[hybridazn]

Do a water change and carbon change.

 

[boston02122]

I've been using npx bio plastics in place of carbon. Skimmer gets gross dark skim out running this. I'll have to go back to casebook for a bit. See if it makes a difference.

 

[boston02122]

If all fails I will end up with a uv sterilizer

 

[Anirban]

I've been using npx bio plastics in place of carbon. Skimmer gets gross dark skim out running this. I'll have to go back to casebook for a bit. See if it makes a difference.

If you are talking about active carbon then npx bioplastics doesn't function as active carbon, they have different functions. If you are talking about carbon dosing then you are right. In case the water is still cloudy then just take out the bioplastics and run the system without it. Probably your bioplastic is giving you more problem than solving it. Then once the water is clear then use it half the amount you are using now. I would still not use the steriliser. Just remove the source of bacterial growth it will soon disappear. Trust me.

 

[boston02122]

I think that's a good idea. Thanks for confirming that. I wasn't sure if it could be the bioplastics or not. Guess we will find out.

 

[Anirban]

I think that's a good idea. Thanks for confirming that. I wasn't sure if it could be the bioplastics or not. Guess we will find out.

Take that out.....my experience says it will solve your problem and wait.

 

[boston02122]

I heard the bioplastics could cause cloudy water. I've had this running for about 8 weeks now. But if this is the result. I'll use my media reactor doe carbon and just be more on top of water changes.

 

[Anirban]

Yeah, if the bioplastic overdosed then you will see a very stable bacterial bloom for days and that will not go away with water changes. Because you have a steady food source for the bacteria to grow. So it will be wise to take it out completely and wait for 24 hours then if its gone change 10% water and use the bioplastic 1/3 of initial dosing. Or you can do vinegar and vodka dosing. You just need to maintain the bacterial population not overgrow it.