Cloudy Green Water

EdPNW

EdPNW

New Member
I have a 20 gallon I have just converted from saltwater to freshwater. I have a hang on the back filter and a small sponge filter currently running. I also have a heat source as well keeping the water around 78 degrees. I placed some fish food in the tank to initiate the cycling of the water.

The water became cloudy about 3 weeks ago, first white then to a greenish hue. (See attached photo) I figure, and still figure, that this is the tank cycling. I have not turned on the lighting at all in this time period. The tank is completely empty with no livestock in it what-so-ever. I am trying to have patience with it, since I figured it would clear eventually. However, it has been a while and nothing has really changed. I did a 25% water change last week.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how I could clear this up? Or is it still just a wait and see situation? I have a drop of guppies I would like to get into it soon. So any advice would be appreciated! Thanks, Ed

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Loren

Loren

Well-Known Member
I had the exact same experience a few months ago. It did the same thing turning from white to green. It is a natural process and will clean up eventually put several steps can help quicken it. Leaving the lights off will be a big help and frequent water changes. Also, changing or rinsing your filter media should help as well. Putting the guppies in now is fine if you want.
 
L190

L190

Well-Known Member
Wonder if you can use daphnia to clean it up then drop in the guppies so they can have a nice snack
 
A

aeroman9000

New Member
I have had this same issue in the past. Tried everything! The only thing that resolved it for me was a in tank UV bulb filter, knocked it out in less than 72 hours..... I currently run Two uv filters constantly on my large tank.
 
EdPNW

EdPNW

New Member
Thanks for all the tips! I just did another water change and it has helped a bit. Looking into UV sterilizers as an option and considering the daphnia, but right now I don't have a source. Would adding some Javamoss help consume some of the nitrogen? Or is that happening anyways with the algea?
 
The_Thicc_Kobudai

The_Thicc_Kobudai

Member
aeroman9000 said:
I have had this same issue in the past. Tried everything! The only thing that resolved it for me was a in tank UV bulb filter, knocked it out in less than 72 hours..... I currently run Two uv filters constantly on my large tank.
Click to expand...
you realize that a uv sterilizers are stupid expencive
 
A

aeroman9000

New Member
fish fanatic centeral said:
you realize that a uv sterilizers are stupid expencive
Click to expand...
I paid $30 for an in tank UV Sterilizer online..... My sun Sun Cannister was $70 and came with one.....and I bought a really nice inline one on clearance at Aquarium Co op for $75.....I dont think any of that is stupid money for algae free water....
 
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