Milky new tank

Discussion in 'Planted Tanks' started by Risen, Sep 19, 2010.

  1. Risen

    Risen

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    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.
     
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  3. Rudi

    Rudi

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

    wito-zn

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    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.
     
  5. Zoom

    Zoom Retired Moderator

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    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)
     
  6. OP
    Risen

    Risen

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    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?
     
    Last edited: Sep 19, 2010
  7. Zoom

    Zoom Retired Moderator

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    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.
     
  8. Scaly

    Scaly Therapeutic

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    Silly question, but did you wash the sand first?

    Vince
     
  9. Rudi

    Rudi

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    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
     

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