Cloudy tank???

[LittleRainbow]

About a week ago I noticed that my tank was unusually cloudy (never happened before). I changed the water yesterday but already, it is back to being cloudy. It's a 36 G tank and I currently have 3 fish in there. Its the fewest amount of fish that I've had in there- could it be related? The fish are acting fine and look 100% ok. :/

[fishmommie]

How long has the tank been set up?
is it cycled?

It sounds as though you're experiencing a bacterial bloom - typical in tanks that are not yet cycled. The bloom is not harmful but you do need to know what your water perimeters are so you can address any problems you might have with elevated ammonia and or nitrites.
What are your ammonia, nitrite and nitrate readings? We can go from there.

[LittleRainbow]

How long has the tank been set up?
is it cycled?

It sounds as though you're experiencing a bacterial bloom - typical in tanks that are not yet cycled. The bloom is not harmful but you do need to know what your water perimeters are so you can address any problems you might have with elevated ammonia and or nitrites.
What are your ammonia, nitrite and nitrate readings? We can go from there.

I've had the tank for almost a year now. Never had ANY sort of water issues before :/ I don't know on the readings. I honestly don't test because I think that the less you mess with things the less likely they are to get messed up (life philosophy not just animal one). It ends up being a game of catch up. I was hoping to add more fish soon but don't think I will if it is harmful.... doesn't seem to be but still

[LittleRainbow]

Also, it does have a tinge of color to the cloudiness. I can't honestly figure out if it's more of a greenish tinge or a brown one but it's definitely there. Barely there but is clearly different than clear water.

[Goes to 11!]

I honestly don't test because I think that the less you mess with things the less likely they are to get messed up

Testing isn't 'messing with' anything. It's being informed of what's going on in your tank. It's especially relevant when you see something out of the ordinary.. Such as now.

It's info that can't hurt & potentially helps us diagnose/fix your current issue as well.

[LittleRainbow]

Testing isn't 'messing with' anything. It's being informed of what's going on in your tank. It's especially relevant when you see something out of the ordinary.. Such as now.

It's info that can't hurt & potentially helps us diagnose/fix your current issue as well.

It's the adding chemicals that comes with testing that I have an issue with :P I've been doing some googling since posting this and I'm guessing it's a bacterial bloom like was said ^^. I'm going to do another partial change tomorrow.... maybe that will help. I definitely hope so!

[Goes to 11!]

Ok, What is the issue? I am not quite clear on that because nothing goes in your tank.

[fishmommie]

Testing water does not add any chemicals to your tank. You remove water samples from the tank then test.

While I understand your desire to keep things simple, you may be doing so at the risk of your fish. If you were to test and find out that your fish are suffering from ammonia poisoning, you would want to correct it right? If you don't know if it's a problem for them, how can you possibly give them the best environment? And adding more fish to a tank where the water perimeters are uncertain could result in the loss of not just your existing fish but any new ones you add.

Best advice = invest in an API liquid test kit. Check your perimeters and go from there.

[fishmommie]

looks like our posts crossed 850R

Wanted to add: ignorance of your water perimeters may be bliss but knowledge is power. A little over the top, but you get my drift.

[Goes to 11!]

Well.. I am Ninja.

Wanted to add: ignorance of your water perimeters may be bliss but knowledge is power.

+ 1 to this