Just another Cloudy QT. Suggestions?

tutmatt3 · Jan 30, 2017

Hey Guys,

So I've been trying to read up a bit on past posts & suggestions, and thought to post my cloudy QT tank here. The fish don't seem to react to the cloudy water (yes not the worst cloudy, but I'd rather address it earlier rather than later), and I've read many factors can contribute to it:
-bacteria bloom breaking down food/poop into ammonia
-bacteria bloom breaking down ammonia into nits
-poorly mixed saltwater
-algae (but would be green)
-house cleaners (not the case here)

I've also read people having success when tossing in a small UV clearing it up in just a day, like this guy: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008AJHUME/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A7SIQ2Y2T11UM

Wanted to hear your guys input.
My qt tank water quality specs:
ph 7.8
am 0 (according ot 2x badges, liquid test is current misleading due to copper)
nitrite 0
nitrate 0
copper 2ppm
small doses of pimafix/melafix (confirmed both from API & Fritz they were safe to use with copper safe)

I did use the plastic bioplate from my DT in my HOB filter here - which I don't know if it's working or not since ammonia looks to be none, but nitrates are as well, but was in the DT for about 1.5 months (which is now running fallow to be ich safe)

I've also tried water changes (a 90% + scrubbing the glass cleared it up, but cloudy returned 1-2x days later)

I know this can still be bacteria blooming, multiplying faster than the good nitrifying bacteria, but in such a case - would you suggest using a UV? Could this have any negative effects? And is it safe to use with current medicine (copper safe)

Any other suggested methods?

Thanks!

tutmatt3 · Jan 30, 2017

Snap, one more question:

How often do you guys do water changes on QT in general, and how much %
How often/how much do you change while medicating? (i know it needs to be replaced with medicated water)

I know ammonia levels have a lot to do with this answer, but if relying solely on the seachem badges, what do you think?

mcarroll · Jan 30, 2017

Just an indication the bio-filter got a little overwhelmed and a non-attached bacteria bloomed in the "vacuum" created.

Looks like you have pretty good oxygenation....lack of O2 as the bloom's geometric growth rate consumes all the oxygen they need seems to be the main/only worry. Other than that, the ammonia situation is rectified. Just try to keep things on an even keel going forward and the normal bacteria will take over and the water will clear.

I like a little bit of live rock in my QT to avoid anything like this, plus any degree of naturalism is a benefit to the fish's stress situation. Some fake plants are even a great addition as far as that goes.

I also like a separate hospital tank for treatments to keep things as simple as possible. Yours is a picture-perfect hospital/treatment tank.

Have you already read this R2R article? It's not directly about QT, but it's pretty close.....
How behaviorally complex are marine fish?

There are definitely some tips in there for setting up a good QT system. There were some surprising facts about fish in there as well.

tutmatt3 · Jan 30, 2017

mcarroll said:
Just an indication the bio-filter got a little overwhelmed and a non-attached bacteria bloomed in the "vacuum" created.

Looks like you have pretty good oxygenation....lack of O2 as the bloom's geometric growth rate consumes all the oxygen they need seems to be the main/only worry. Other than that, the ammonia situation is rectified. Just try to keep things on an even keel going forward and the normal bacteria will take over and the water will clear.

I like a little bit of live rock in my QT to avoid anything like this, plus any degree of naturalism is a benefit to the fish's stress situation. Some fake plants are even a great addition as far as that goes.

I also like a separate hospital tank for treatments to keep things as simple as possible. Yours is a picture-perfect hospital/treatment tank.

Have you already read this R2R article? It's not directly about QT, but it's pretty close.....
How behaviorally complex are marine fish?

There are definitely some tips in there for setting up a good QT system. There were some surprising facts about fish in there as well.

Thank you very much, I appreciate the input & very interesting read! Thanks for that link.

I'll be sure to keep an eye on things today.
I watched while feeding today and the food did travel all around the tank is a good manner, so it looks like flow and surface agitation are going well.

So I guess this should go away on its own then, yeah?

Thanks again!

tutmatt3 · Jan 30, 2017

Just ordered the small UV unit. Ebay, amazon is out of stock
http://www.ebay.com/itm/251783771094

(the others are too powerful & tall for my QT anyway)

So it looks like I CAN use this with copper / mela/pima fix,
But CAN'T use it with prazi

Anything else I shouldn't use it in?

tutmatt3 · Jan 31, 2017

Can't say for sure, but looks as if it's beginning to settle (a little).
If by the time the unit comes in (few days to week), do you guys recommend still putting it in QT?
@melypr1985 @Humblefish - thoughts?

Or would it be better to put it in the DT?
I don't have much knowledge on UV's.
Also, if in QT or DT, how long do you guys recommend running it for?

Humblefish · Jan 31, 2017

I wouldn't use a UV on your QT; putting it on your DT will prove to be more beneficial. Run it 24/7, but change out the bulb every 6 months.

tutmatt3 · Jan 31, 2017

Humblefish said:
I wouldn't use a UV on your QT; putting it on your DT will prove to be more beneficial. Run it 24/7, but change out the bulb every 6 months.

Okay then if the cloud settles down by the time it comes in I will use it in the display tank instead. Given its not the most powerful out there for a 55g, as it was intended for a 10gal qt , it will at least be better than nothing I guess =)

tutmatt3 · Feb 1, 2017

Hey guys!
I personally like to update my threads so future users who stumble upon it with the same problem can see the resolution that I had.

I ordered my UV sterilizer which should come in in a few days but as you can see the tank is cleared up all on its own. Looks like I won't be using it in the qt! Wish I could pinpoint how long it took to clear up or what remedied it, but maybe waiting is the best but as long as the matter doesn't get worse.

Cheers!

Breakthecycle2 · Feb 2, 2017

I've been battling cloudy water in both my QT tanks for the last two months. The water is either milkish or yellow. I bought a cheap UV and it originally worked, now its not. Yesterday I added some chemipure to one and it seems to have really helped. It's still cloudy, but not as bad. The other has a yellow tint to it and haven't decided what to do yet.

mcarroll · Feb 2, 2017

Breakthecycle2 said:
I've been battling cloudy water in both my QT tanks for the last two months. The water is either milkish or yellow. I bought a cheap UV and it originally worked, now its not. Yesterday I added some chemipure to one and it seems to have really helped. It's still cloudy, but not as bad. The other has a yellow tint to it and haven't decided what to do yet.

What do you have for a bio filter on them?