cloudy water - NOT a bacterial bloom

**fishmommie** · 02-19-2013, 05:09 PM

Hi
Lately, the water in my well established 30 gal tetra tank is a tiny bit cloudy. It used to be crystal clear and I can't figure out why I'm seeing this faint haze in the water all the time - this has been going on for a few months.
A month ago, I decided to give the tank a thorough cleaning to see if I could get rid of it. The end result was I killed some of my BB. :o( So the tank experienced a Bacterial bloom for about 2 weeks, then the water cleared and it was perfect. that lasted about a week and now I'm back to the faint haze.

I run 2 HOB's rated for 30 gallons each. One is an AC with bio max and sponge, the other is an Aquean with bio max and a stock filter cartridge (carbon was removed long ago).
Water perimeters are 0/0/10. I do 50 - 60% W/C weekly and a light vac when I do the W/C.

I also run a bubbler that I have buried in the substrate so it's not visible.

Any suggestions on how to get rid of this haze? Should I try a carbon insert in one of the filters?

Appreciate any and all suggestions. Thanks

**Taurus** · 02-19-2013, 06:21 PM

The only thing I can come up with is that the bubbler is either causing micro bubbles or is stirring something up from the substrate? Try removing the air stone is see if it helps. It's going to be a process of elimination. Gotta start some where.

A carbon cartridge certainly won't hurt anything unless it's full of carbon dust. If you go that route, make sure you rinse the dust out of the cartridge by holding it under running tap water.

**fishmommie** · 02-19-2013, 06:24 PM

I have been wondering about the bubbler too.
And thanks for the response. I appreciate it!

**Sandz** · 02-19-2013, 09:37 PM

I agree with the bubbler... Try putting a micron filter sock over the outflow of the filters or adding some pillow batting to the filter. Its usually good for clearing up water.

**fishmommie** · 02-22-2013, 01:50 AM

yOU TWO ARE SO SMART. It was the bubbler. the water is now crystal clear. I'm going to dig it out of the substrate and try it ON the gravel instead of in it. See if I can maintain the clarity because I like to have a little more ripple than either of my filters provide.
Anyway - thanks

**Tiari** · 02-22-2013, 12:23 PM

These two beat me to it! I had the same problem in my neon tank with a bubble bar buried in the substrate. Once I took it out, no more haze.

**fishmommie** · 02-22-2013, 02:08 PM

Originally Posted by Tiari

These two beat me to it! I had the same problem in my neon tank with a bubble bar buried in the substrate. Once I took it out, no more haze.

the things we learn by mistakes :o)

**Sandz** · 02-22-2013, 02:32 PM

Ha, well im glad its resolved! Its amazing how much of a sediment can build in these tanks. And to think, that stupid bubbler caused you a month of heart ache!

**fishmommie** · 02-22-2013, 02:44 PM

Originally Posted by Sandz

Ha, well im glad its resolved! Its amazing how much of a sediment can build in these tanks. And to think, that stupid bubbler caused you a month of heart ache!

Yes - heartache but frustration! - it caused me to over clean which resulted in a BB and I ended up losing a couple fish over it. It all could have been avoided :o(