Cloudy

[Not NEW Not OLD]

I use API ph buffer to raise the ph levels in my Malawi cichlid tank. but the water is cloudy and no amount of filtration seems to clear it. im using a aqueon 55 and an aqueon 30 HOB on the 40 gallon tank they both run continuously 24/7 i also tried using my magnum 350 canister with the micron filter for 24 hrs and no luck. is it the buffer that is causing the cloudiness...
thanks for the help
the cichlids are doing fine eating chasing and rearranging the gravel.
thanks
NNNO

[sailor]

Yes it is the buffer that is clouding the water. I found this out as well. It eventually will clear up. What is the ph of your water with out any buffer?

You can naturally raise the ph in your tank if you mix in some crushed coral in with your gravel or put some in a bag and put it in your filter.

[Northernguy]

I agree with Sailor!
Adding limestone helps to raise ph as well!Nothing in a bottle will really help.
What kind of substrate did you use?
Got any pics of the tank?

[jaymorris]

How old is your tank. if it is new there is a possible bacteria bloom. I only use limestone and Malawi/Tanganikan ph stabilizer. It keeps it between 7.8 to 8.4. It works really great for my tank, and the fish seem to like it also. I also use small amount of salt to stimulate breeding.

[Taurus]

You can naturally raise the ph in your tank if you mix in some crushed coral in with your gravel or put some in a bag and put it in your filter.

Best method IMHO too, sailor. Much better than adding liquid buffer. :22:

[Not NEW Not OLD]

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Here are some pics
aqueon 38gal tank
aqueon 55 hob
aqueon 30 hob

200w heater
79 deg
ph 8.0 using api ph buffer

[rangur1]

are you adding buffer directly to display tank? or is it premixed in a storage tank or bucket? my buffer takes about 2 hours to dissolve into solution.
i use powder buffers, but its tricky and you need to test ph prior to adding mixed water to tank.

[Not NEW Not OLD]

I mix the solution in 2 5 gallon pails while im cleaning the glass and rearranging the tanks and stuff then just add it. i dont remember reading about ta wait time for the buffer to dissolve. but i guess that could be it. I am due for a water test this morning. the water cleared up the other night after a ten gallon change and i didnt add any buffer at that time. im sure i ca get this worked out. if need be ill add the crushed coral or cichlid gravel under the blue gravel along the back so as not to disturb the look of the tank. the wife and i like the 'cool' coloration of the blue and red in the tank.
NNNO

[domjd05]

using liquid chemicals to raise or lower PH is pretty tedious and most of the time its really not needed.. whats the PH of your water out of the taP? (or well?) you said you maintain it between 7.4 and 8.6? (or something like that)... thats quite a range.