Giving up

[KentuckyKenny]

How are you testing your water (kits) and Can you post pics of your tank under white lighting ?
Disregard nitrites unless they are sky high. Nitrates are elevated pointing to water and filter. I see you mentioned HOB filter. Part of your issue is lack of filtration. Your hang on unit is mechanical filtration and you want to have mechanical , biological and chemical to manage proper water quality. The HOB will polish water and trap particles via the cartridge.
Chemical is what traps and breaks down chemical compounds such as feces and uneaten food often accomplished carbon and GFO
Biological is what utilizes the natural process of iological filtration such as use of ceramic nuggets, bio blocks, and microscopic bacteria surfaces.
Ammonia spikes may have been

very possible and often undetectable after the spike event. At minimum, add a hang on Skimmer unit such as Ice Cap K1-50 or K1-100 to remove inorganic waste and adding oxygen
As for green water. . . Is your tank at or near a window? This time of the year, UV rays gain intensity and will send a tank green in a hurry

 

[KentuckyKenny]

Current pic

 

[KentuckyKenny]

Pic

 

[Dbichler]

Your water looks too stagnant you need a powerhead.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Pic

Again going back to filters, you have little movement and ability to entrap small particles

 

[KentuckyKenny]

Your water looks too stagnant you need a powerhead.

Oh . Ok

 

[KentuckyKenny]

I use API testing kit. And a swing arm salinity checker

 

[KentuckyKenny]

Oh . Ok

So after a 50% water change. Adding bioballs and new filter floss and cartridge my water is no longer green but it is still cloudy (milky)

 

[RaymondL]

Oh . Ok

Increase surface and water agitation, change the filter floss often - every 2 days or so. If water is green, get yourself a UV sterilizer such as the Green Killing Machine - actually, get it anyways as it should help with any bacteria bloom.

Don't give up!

 

[RaymondL]

So after a 50% water change. Adding bioballs and new filter floss and cartridge my water is no longer green but it is still cloudy (milky)

What size tank do you have, and what type/brand of filtration are you using, and how long has the tank been running?

 

[KentuckyKenny]

What size tank do you have, and what type/brand of filtration are you using, and how long has the tank been running?

It's a 40 gallon breeder. Using a dual HOB filter with biowheel and added filter floss and ceramic balls. Tank has been going since January

 

[Dbichler]

You just need more flow/and surface agitation and time greening of the water is to be expected over time and that’s why the waterchange helped that. Keep doing that and and water flow it will turn around eventually.

 

[jabberwock]

It's a 40 gallon breeder. Using a dual HOB filter with biowheel and added filter floss and ceramic balls. Tank has been going since January

Yeah, 4 months is not very long. Stick with it!

 

[Adolfo]

 

[littlefoxx]

I have used sea chem clarity when Ive had cloudy water from a bacteria bloom. I also have a airstone in my 32 gallon to help the powerhead with circulation. Thats what I would try!

 

[KentuckyKenny]

Thank you all for your guidance and suggestions. I woke up this morning to a clear tank. I am happy

 

[Jrain904]

Ordered from bulk reef supply

That’s not live rock

 

[Jrain904]

I have a simple way for you to have an awesome tank with almost no effort.

take that crap rock out and get yourself some ocean live-rock air freighted to you. Try out 30 lbs from somewhere like KP aquatics or Tampa bay saltwater. Let the tank sit for a week or two. Then you should be good to go! Easy button.

 

[Nman]

you will achieve a great reef for your self plenty of knowledge from the members. Good luck on your journey

 

[jabberwock]

Thank you all for your guidance and suggestions. I woke up this morning to a clear tank. I am happy

Hooray! So glad to hear that. Just remember that it is a hobby. There is, was, will be work to do. There will be high points and low points. Part of the enjoyment for me is spending the time doing the tasks.