I have a 55 gal Cichlid tank that just won't clear up. I think since i've had it, a little over a month, it's been clear twice. Once at the very beginning and maybe a couple weeks ago. Now it's cloudy and stays that way. Is that common for a Cichlid tank? Or is my filter just not handling it. I have a Top Fin filter that is rated up to 60gal. I have a couple lava rocks and some decorations with fake plants and gravel. Tried the water clear stuff and it only made it worse. Any thoughts or help would be much appreciated. Oh and I've been doing PWC's anyway because my nitrite levels are still on the high side.
cloudy water
- Thread starter onyx
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Lawngnome
Aquarium Advice Activist
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- Jan 26, 2011
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I would suggest that you purchase a canister filter, it has more media and various types of media that the water is forced through. I use to have the same problems and since I bought mine my tank has not been cloudy since, always crystal clear. The brand I purchased was Marineland and have been very satisfied with it.
tyspot1000
Aquarium Advice Addict
+1
The topfin filter isnt enough for a cichlid tank. Many companies over rate their filters than what they actually are. Yours only supports 300 gph (only 30 gallons). The bioload on that filter is too much resulting in cloudy water.
Like said, with cichlids, they would do much better with a canister filter. I think 55 gallons is the limit when using HOB filters, any bigger tanks would need a canister. I recommend getting a EHIEM classic canister, they are great.
The topfin filter isnt enough for a cichlid tank. Many companies over rate their filters than what they actually are. Yours only supports 300 gph (only 30 gallons). The bioload on that filter is too much resulting in cloudy water.
Like said, with cichlids, they would do much better with a canister filter. I think 55 gallons is the limit when using HOB filters, any bigger tanks would need a canister. I recommend getting a EHIEM classic canister, they are great.
Tropical boy
Aquarium Advice Activist
I'd definitely go foe a canister filter of a sump as it's a cichlid tank and will allow you a greater volume of water. Just to ask you say you had this problem a couple of times, did you do a fishless cycle on your tank?
Tropical boy
Aquarium Advice Activist
I'd go for the 92 gal you can never have to much filtration in a cichlid tank
Tropical boy
Aquarium Advice Activist
Were all your water/ ammonia/ nitrate levels at zero or close to when adding the first cichlid and how many did you add at once
yeah all zero when adding the first fish. Added a Mbuna a couple days later then took out the betta and added a fish or two a week after that.
tyspot1000
Aquarium Advice Addict
The one rated for 92 gallons (2217). What kind of cichlids do you have? African or SA/CA cichlids?
Thanks guys I just ordered the one rated for 92gal. Hopefully that helps. I have 2 assorted afircans, a blue johanni with the yellow female and a jewel with a pleco. Can you add SA cichlids with the africans?
Tropical boy
Aquarium Advice Activist
It's not advisable, usually you would stick to the same regions due to the difference in water parameters.
ahhh, gotcha
tyspot1000
Aquarium Advice Addict
+1 to TB
They have different temperments, water parameters, and requirements making them hard to keep together.
They have different temperments, water parameters, and requirements making them hard to keep together.
