I have a 29G semi planted tank that is having some problems. It has been up and running for about 5 months with no problems until the last few weeks. For the past month, every water change I do causes what I think is a algae bloom (Looks like white dust that is on the substrate, picture attached) and after a few days it will disappear. When cleaning, i use a siphon vacuum and stir up the gravel to get the loose debris when doing water changes.
1 Week ago the PH in the water had dropped. It had been close to 7, but had dropped in the high 5 almost 6. I did a 50% water change, and cleaned the canister filter (Rinsed off sponges and noodles, but did not do anything to the bio bag) The PH raised to 6 but has been there the past week, even after a 10% change last night. Ammonia spiked from what it had been (had been 0 or slightly above) last night, but that may have been due to cleaning I did. Did the test this morning, with these results.
PH 6.0
Ammonia - .5ppm
Nitrite - .25ppm
Nitrate - between 0-5ppm
Could it just be going through a mini cycle?
1 Week ago the PH in the water had dropped. It had been close to 7, but had dropped in the high 5 almost 6. I did a 50% water change, and cleaned the canister filter (Rinsed off sponges and noodles, but did not do anything to the bio bag) The PH raised to 6 but has been there the past week, even after a 10% change last night. Ammonia spiked from what it had been (had been 0 or slightly above) last night, but that may have been due to cleaning I did. Did the test this morning, with these results.
PH 6.0
Ammonia - .5ppm
Nitrite - .25ppm
Nitrate - between 0-5ppm
Could it just be going through a mini cycle?