Nothe sure what to do

[clownvalk3]

So I have a 75 gal tank that has been up for little over 3 weeks, and my water has looked pretty cloudy for the past couple days. People on the facebook group I am in has told me many different reasons, it is a bacteria bloom, filtration has failed ( but it is still running), and lastly it is because it is brand new tank. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[helen ann]

Hi! Congrats on the Tank


New tanks usually go through bacteria bloom/ugly phase during cycle.
Have you been testing your parameters?
What type of filtration are you running?
Can you post a pic?

 

[Tahoe61]

What type of sand did you use and did you rinse it?
Are you using mechanical filtration like sponge or floss that collects small particles?
Did you use any bacteria in a bottle products?

 

[clownvalk3]

I have tested my parameters 3 times. Everything seems good except nitrates are a little high. I am running a fluval fx4 filter. I am not sure how to post a picture. I used live sand it had water in it so I didn't rinse it. The sand cloudiness settled and was clear for a week or so and i just noticed it was a little cloudy a couple weeks ago. The only product I have used is prime.

 

[clownvalk3]

I am leaving for a couple days should I leave my light on or blue lights on or light off while I am gone?

 

[Coastie Reefer]

During the cycle you don't need light. I'd invest in a timer in the future though. You can find them for less than $10...

 

[clownvalk3]

Ya I will so I should just turn it off?

 

[Coastie Reefer]

Ya I will so I should just turn it off?

If you're going to be gone for more than 24 hours, yes. If not you'll probably come home to a nice patch of algae.

 

[clownvalk3]

I am assuming my snails and hermits will be ok? It is a fluval marine & reef light can I have coral with that?

 

[clownvalk3]

So I think I have lost some of my snails, and maybe a couple hermits. If so should I take the shells out?

 

[slipknotgrrl83]

So I think I have lost some of my snails, and maybe a couple hermits. If so should I take the shells out?

I leave the shells in, never has done any harm to my tank...plus makes the tank look more realistic with empty shells lol

 

[tomtom2245]

You could always try running a little carbon, that might help clear things up a bit.

 

[clownvalk3]

My water is not cloudy any more after I got back.

 

[Chrisfish]

Welcome to R2R, glad your cloudiness has cleared up , post some pictures when you can.

 

[clownvalk3]

I am not sure how.

 

[clownvalk3]

My tank has been up for one month. Should I do a water change?

 

[slipknotgrrl83]

My tank has been up for one month. Should I do a water change?

Yeah I would...10 percent with new heated saltwater of same salinity

 

[clownvalk3]

So I have been told I need to raise my salinity it is at 1.023-1.024

 

[Coastie Reefer]

So I have been told I need to raise my salinity it is at 1.023-1.024

most people run 1.025, I personally run 1.025-1.026.

 

[clownvalk3]

So should I do a 20% water change and get my new water to like 1.026?