Hi folks
I've just purchased a small-ish (60 Litre) tank from my local pet store. I figured it'd be better to start small, and work my way up.
I've had the tank for about 10 days now (no fish, yet). I thoroughly rinsed everything that was to go in the tank (substrate, ornaments etc).
The tank came with an Interpet mechanical underwater filter and a heater. I also added an undergravel filter, and extra aeration.
After about 8 hours of being set up the first time, the tank water was completely cloudy. It was treated with Interpet TapSafe. The pet store (high street chain, so not very good) suggested I tried a Filter Start (also Interpet, to kickstart the filtration) which had no effect, and then also to add a Filter Aid (which contained formaldehyde to clump the bacteria together). This had a marginal effect, and then everything in the tank was covered in a dirty brown substance.
I left it like that for three days, and then figured I must've done something weird and so I drained it all, rinsed everything one more time, and put it all back. I filled-it up again, and again - about 7 or 8 hours later - milky cloudy again. From what I've researched, this is known as 'bacterial bloom'.
This time, though, I went to the pet store and bought a testing kit. Since the 2nd April, I've been taking readings every day to try and figure out what is going on. I think it has something to do with the KH of the water.
Have a look at these read-outs:
2nd April..... pH 7.6-8, KH 12, Temp 26C.
3rd April..... pH 8, KH 12, Temp 26C
4th April..... pH 8.6, KH 20, Temp 26C
So the KH has risen. The test kit advised a 10% water change, which I have just this moment completed. I don't know whether it's just me, but it looks like the water may be slightly clearer but that may just be because of the water change.
If it's bacterial bloom, do I just wait for it to clear itself up?
I've also read about cycling, but have to admit I'm not sure really where to start with that.
I'd really appreciate any advice you folks can offer.
But I have to admit, I'm stumped.
Many thanks, all!
I've just purchased a small-ish (60 Litre) tank from my local pet store. I figured it'd be better to start small, and work my way up.
I've had the tank for about 10 days now (no fish, yet). I thoroughly rinsed everything that was to go in the tank (substrate, ornaments etc).
The tank came with an Interpet mechanical underwater filter and a heater. I also added an undergravel filter, and extra aeration.
After about 8 hours of being set up the first time, the tank water was completely cloudy. It was treated with Interpet TapSafe. The pet store (high street chain, so not very good) suggested I tried a Filter Start (also Interpet, to kickstart the filtration) which had no effect, and then also to add a Filter Aid (which contained formaldehyde to clump the bacteria together). This had a marginal effect, and then everything in the tank was covered in a dirty brown substance.
I left it like that for three days, and then figured I must've done something weird and so I drained it all, rinsed everything one more time, and put it all back. I filled-it up again, and again - about 7 or 8 hours later - milky cloudy again. From what I've researched, this is known as 'bacterial bloom'.
This time, though, I went to the pet store and bought a testing kit. Since the 2nd April, I've been taking readings every day to try and figure out what is going on. I think it has something to do with the KH of the water.
Have a look at these read-outs:
2nd April..... pH 7.6-8, KH 12, Temp 26C.
3rd April..... pH 8, KH 12, Temp 26C
4th April..... pH 8.6, KH 20, Temp 26C
So the KH has risen. The test kit advised a 10% water change, which I have just this moment completed. I don't know whether it's just me, but it looks like the water may be slightly clearer but that may just be because of the water change.
If it's bacterial bloom, do I just wait for it to clear itself up?
I've also read about cycling, but have to admit I'm not sure really where to start with that.
I'd really appreciate any advice you folks can offer.
But I have to admit, I'm stumped.
Many thanks, all!