Milky new tank

Hi guys. I have had this tank up and running for about a week. The Water clarity has not improved even though i have put in some activated carbon. It is only a planted tank at the moment. Substrate: palm peat, Course layer of sand (3cm) and layer of fine river sand (3cm) . Should I do a complet water change and see> Not sure how to make it cleear up.

 

Hey Risen,could it be a bacterial bloom?Activated carbon would not solve this.

 

Do you run your lights all day. If so then it is a bacteria bloom as Rudi says and the only safe way to clear this up is total black out for 4 days. I just had the same problem and i did the black out and it worked like a bomb. Also if you run your lights all day you need to work out the best on and off times. I switch my lights on at 6:30 and then off at 8:30 and then on again at 5:00 and off at 7:00 and my water is still clear.

 

If it's a new tank, it could easily be a bacterial bloom as Rudi suggested. Could you test ammonia and nitrites?

What type of filter are you running (LPH, and what's in the filter)

 

If I switch my lights off for 4 day, wont it affect my plants. Have you got more info on the this Algae bloom and how to treat it effectively.
I have 300 l tank and I am running a 1600 L per hour Dophin Canister. Sponge and loads of Bio balls. If it is a nitrate and ammonia problem. Should I do a major water change?

 

The only really effective way to treat an algae bloom is a 4 day black out.

The principle here is that algae generally dies after 3 days without light, but I suggest going just that extra day to be sure. If you search the internet, the general idea is 3 days.

If it is a nitrite and ammonia problem, then yes, waterchanges every day or second day until it comes under control is usually the way to treat it.

I'm assuming this is a new tank. Which leads me to believe Rudi's suggestion that it's a bacteria bloom, and not necessarily and algae bloom. When you say the water is milky, are you saying it's a white milky? (then it's bacterial)

If it's a green haze, then it's algae. Then you need to look at your lights, how long they on, and make changes... after the 4 day blackout.

 

Silly question, but did you wash the sand first?

Vince

 

It's probably not a algae bloom yet,just a Bacterial bloom caused by ammonia and nitrite.
Add some bacteria and reduce your lighting.
If it changes into green water,then consider a blackout.
Your plants will take a slight nock,but should be strong enough to bounce back.

Rudi