Below are several common reasons and treatments for cloudy aquariums:
Reasons and Treatments for a Cloudy Aquarium - Particles
One of the most common reasons for a cloudy aquarium is an overabundance of particles floating in the water. Instead of an overall milky appearance, you should be able to see fine bits floating in the fish tank. This reason for a cloudy aquarium is usually caused by overfeeding. It can also be from unwashed gravel being used in the tank set up.
It is easy to take care of a particular cloudy aquarium. The first step is to avoid overfeeding your fish. Only feed a small amount once or twice each day. Also, do a weekly vacuum of any extraneous material on the substrate. At this time, you should change about ten to twenty percent of the aquarium water. Also, be sure to change or clean your filter material.
Reasons and Treatments for a Cloudy Aquarium - Ammonia
Ammonia is excreted by fish in your aquarium. In a healthy fish tank, the aquarium is converted to nitrites by beneficial bacteria. It is then changed to harmless nitrates. One cause of a cloudy aquarium is improper cycling and a build up of ammonia. This is common if the fish tank is stocked with too many fish before the bacteria levels have been established.
If you have already filled your aquarium with fish, there is not much you can do but do large water changes until the water is no longer cloudy. You will probably lose some fish due to ammonia spikes. Next time, prevent an ammonia cloudy aquarium by properly cycling the tank.
Reasons and Treatments for a Cloudy Aquarium - Bacteria
A bacteria bloom is a sudden growth of a large colony of bacteria in your fish tank. This happens in the beginning when a tank is still being cycled, and is not necessarily a bad thing. When the beneficial bacteria reproduce, it takes them a while to find things to colonize, such as the substrate, filter media, and ornaments. In the meantime, you can have a cloudy aquarium.
Another type of bacteria bloom is not good. This overgrowth of bacteria is usually brought on by overfeeding or too much biological waste at the bottom of the tank. When it breaks down, there are too many nutrients floating in the tank water. Bacteria can grow very quickly and make for a cloudy aquarium. Simply vacuuming the detritus off the bottom and changing the water will cure this problem.
If you have a cloudy aquarium, the first thing to do is determine the reason behind it. After you do that, treatment may be as easy as a water change, and as complex as a complete strip down and medication regimen. A cloudy aquarium should not be ignored.
