How can I fix Cloudy water and Algae bloom?

[Nathan Nguyen]

Hi Everyone,

I got an algae bloom in a week and I know it was because I fed my fishes too much brine shrimps.

I got a phosphate spike from .03 to .5ppm and algae blooming. Now phosphate is back to .04 and most of the algae are gone.

But the water is so cloudy now. I also did water change but it didn't help.

Is it a bad sign and please let me know how can i make it clear again?
Thank you!

 

[santino0205]

What are your other levels at?

 

[Flreefjunky]

The most common ways would be the use of carbon and or a u/v sterilizer.

 

[Nathan Nguyen]

What are your other levels at?

Nitrate: 2
Salinity: 1.025
KH: 8
I don't usually test other levels

 

[bushdoc]

It’s difficult to be certain from this picture if this is algae or heterotrophic bacteria bloom. Bacteria bloom would be more milky.
Heterotrophic bacteria multiply very fast, so water changes are not very effective in combating them. The biggest issue here is oxygen depletion and the best way to treat it is UV sterilizers and aerating water with skimmer or/and airstone.

 

[Nathan Nguyen]

The most common ways would be the use of carbon and or a u/v sterilizer.

I have been using carbon as well. I added it 3 weeks ago. Should i change new ones now?

 

[vetteguy53081]

Hi Everyone,

I got an algae bloom in a week and I know it was because I fed my fishes too much brine shrimps.

I got a phosphate spike from .03 to .5ppm and algae blooming. Now phosphate is back to .04 and most of the algae are gone.

But the water is so cloudy now. I also did water change but it didn't help.

Is it a bad sign and please let me know how can i make it clear again?
Thank you!

View attachment 3036463

Tank may be under-filtered. While reduction of light often helps, Is tank at or near a window?
What filter(s) are you using ?
Often , elevated nitrates and phosphates can be contributors. Also use of Tap water will be a cause.
Was this sudden or progressive?

 

[Nathan Nguyen]

It’s difficult to be certain from this picture if this is algae or heterotrophic bacteria bloom. Bacteria bloom would be more milky.
Heterotrophic bacteria multiply very fast, so water changes are not very effective in combating them. The biggest issue here is oxygen depletion and the best way to treat it is UV sterilizers and aerating water with skimmer or/and airstone.

thank you! i have a skimmer and it's running really good. airstone creates a lot of microbubbles, will it harm my corals and fishes?

 

[Flreefjunky]

carbon is a fast depleting media. it usually needs change more often than people realize.

 

[vetteguy53081]

thank you! i have a skimmer and it's running really good. airstone creates a lot of microbubbles, will it harm my corals and fishes?

Micro bubbles are more cosmetic but have been suspect to popeye and bladder issues not to say it will happen

 

[Nathan Nguyen]

Tank may be under-filtered. While reduction of light often helps, Is tank at or near a window?
What filter(s) are you using ?
Often , elevated nitrates and phosphates can be contributors. Also use of Tap water will be a cause.
Was this sudden or progressive?

I'm using filter sock and Nano-tech bio ceramic media + matrix media.
Yes, the tank is next to the window but not too much light gets in.
This was progressive since the algae appeared first and the water get cloudy after 2 days when it's gone. it's been happening in 1 week and half

 

[vetteguy53081]

I'm using filter sock and Nano-tech bio ceramic media + matrix media.
Yes, the tank is next to the window but not too much light gets in.
This was progressive since the algae appeared first and the water get cloudy after 2 days when it's gone. it's been happening in 1 week and half

I asked about window as I suspected there is UV present. The power of UV is very strong and will penetrate curtains, blinds and shades. I suggest getting a piece of black construction paper from walmart stationary dept and place on side facing window and you will see a reduction in days

 

[Nathan Nguyen]

I asked about window as I suspected there is UV present. The power of UV is very strong and will penetrate curtains, blinds and shades. I suggest getting a piece of black construction paper from walmart stationary dept and place on side facing window and you will see a reduction in days

Thank you very much! I will test it out