Aquariums are a thing of beauty. They can provide a peaceful and relaxing environment, serve as educational tools, and offer an opportunity to observe and appreciate a wide variety of aquatic life. Additionally, they can be a fun hobby for people of all ages. However, one thing can ruin all of these and that is cloudy water.
Water that isn’t clear can make even the best-looking aquarium seem like a dirty mess. To put it simply, unless the aquarium is meant to be the exact replica of certain natural habitats, known as a biotope, no one likes cloudy water in their aquariums.
Today we will look at how to get the water in your aquarium looking crystal clear.
The Right Way To Approach Cloudy Aquarium Water
Like any aquarium problem, the best way to permanently solve water cloudiness is by finding the root cause behind it and then addressing the cause. Usually, cloudy water is caused by one of the following five reasons:
- Sediments
- Bacterial bloom
- Algae bloom
- Tannins
- Cloudy aquarium Glass
Each of these causes of cloudy aquarium water must be treated differently. Let’s take a look at each of these in detail.
Clouded Water With Suspended Particles
This should be the first thing you should check. The most obvious reason for water to appear cloudy would be that there are tiny, suspended particles in the water column. After all, an aquarium is so much more than just a tank filled with water. There are countless sources of such particles ending up in the water. Let us look some of the most common ones:
- Gravel Residue: This is one of the most common reasons why aquariums have suspended particles in them. Most unwashed gravel meant for aquariums have a fine powdery coating. That is why aquarium gravel, or any other form of substrate should be washed properly.
Fix: Wash the gravel properly under a tap till the water runs clearly. Activated charcoal filtration can help as well.
- Fish waste: Fish that produce a lot of waste combined with an underpowered filter can lead to the waste circulating in the aquarium itself. It will then break up into tiny particles. Not only does this look bad but it is also extremely unhealthy for the fish.
This can be identified by brownish particles floating around and the water having a very foul smell to it.
Fix: Get an adequately powered filter and do a large water change. - Uneaten food: This is like the previous cause. Uneaten food can also break down and create suspended particles in the water and this mostly happens if the filter isn’t powerful enough or if you are overfeeding.
The particles tend to be of the same color as the fish food.
Fix: Get an adequately powered filter and do a large water change. Avoid overfeeding. - Plant debris: This can happen a lot in planted tanks, especially ones with plenty of new plants. Leaves can break off or entire plants could come off. These have a tendency to clog up the filtration system and whatever is left unfiltered in the water will breakdown into small particles.
This usually leads to a greenish-brown appearance.
Fix: Get an adequately powered filter and do a large water change. Remove dead plants and any leaf or stem just floating around.
- Dirty filter media: If filter media is not cleaned or replaced regularly, it can become clogged with debris, which can cause the filter to release suspended particles back into the water.
Fix: Clean half the filter media once every three months (the other half gets cleaned another three months later). Replace filter media but not all at once.
- Poor water flow: Poor water flow can also cause suspended particles to accumulate in certain areas of the aquarium. This creates pockets of water that does not get filtered and acts as a congregating point for the suspended particles.
Fix: Make sure there is adequate flow. Use wavemakers in larger tanks.
- Bad water quality: The tap water in many places can come with suspended particles already in them. This can be in the form of heavy metals and other chemicals. This can be identified as extremely fine suspended particles.
Fix: Use a water conditioner to neutralize these chemicals or change the source of water for the aquarium.
White Clouded Water
When the cloudy water has a milky appearance, it is usually because of what is known as a bacterial bloom. A healthy aquarium consists of many components working together in a delicate balance. One of these is beneficial bacteria. When this balance is disturbed, it can lead to these bacteria reproducing rapidly.
Often, this is in response to an excess of nutrients (for the bacteria) such as fish waste, uneaten food, and decaying plant matter. As the bacteria reproduce, they can cause the water to become cloudy as they release waste products of their own such as proteins and other organic compounds.
The increased bio-load can make things worse as more waste remains unprocessed leading to more bacteria being born.
The bacteria can also consume oxygen in the water which can lead to a decrease in dissolved oxygen levels. This can cause stress to the fish and other aquatic life.
A bacterial bloom and the consequent cloudiness can be initiated by overfeeding, poor water quality, or an inadequate filtration system.
It can also take place in a new aquarium in which the nitrogen cycle hasn’t been established properly. This is often referred to as “New Tank Syndrome”. This can also happen in an established tanks in which there is a sudden increase in the bioload such as when a lot of fish or plants are added all at one.
Fix for white clouded water:
Try the following steps to treat a bacterial bloom and the resulting cloudiness
- Reduce the bioload. Add fish and plants gradually and avoid overstocking the aquarium.
- Perform a water change: This will help to remove some of the excess bacteria from the water.
- Increase water flow: A strong water flow can help to keep the water clear by preventing the bacteria from settling and forming a bloom.
- Add a protein skimmer: This can help to remove excess organic matter that can feed the bacteria.
- Check water parameters: If anything is out of order then adjust the water parameters accordingly
- Check the mechanical filtration: Make sure the mechanical filter media isn’t clogged up. If it is, then clean the media or replace it.
Green Cloudy Water
When the cloudiness in the aquarium is greenish in color, it is most likely the result of an algae bloom. An algae bloom in an aquarium can cause cloudiness for similar reasons as a bacterial bloom. Algae are microbial organisms that are found in healthy aquariums in the form of a thin film. This usually does not adversely affect the aesthetics of the aquarium. However, an excess of algae can give the water a murky soup-like appearance.
Algae blooms are often caused by an excess of light and nutrients in the water. Algae require light and nutrients to grow, so if the aquarium has too much light and not enough natural or artificial control of the nutrients, the algae will reproduce rapidly and that leads to the water becoming cloudy.
Algae blooms can also be caused by poor water circulation, which can lead to stagnant areas in the aquarium where algae can grow unchecked. An imbalance in the aquarium’s ecosystem, such as an overpopulation of fish or an inadequate filtration system, can also contribute to an algae bloom.
It is important to note that some algae are beneficial for the aquarium and play an important role in the ecosystem, but an excessive amount can be harmful to the fish and other aquatic life by reducing dissolved oxygen levels, clogging filters and creating unaesthetic appearance.
Fix for green cloudy water:
Treating an algae bloom in an aquarium can be done in the following ways
- Reduce the strength of lighting: Algae require light to grow, so reducing the amount of light in the aquarium can help to reduce an algae bloom.
- Control Nutrients: Algae also require nutrients to grow, so controlling the levels of nitrates and phosphates in the water can help to reduce an algae bloom.
- Increase water flow: A strong water flow can help prevent stagnant zones in the aquarium.
- Add algae-eating fish or invertebrates: Certain species of fish and invertebrates, such as Siamese Algae Eater and Nerite Snail, feed on algae and can help to keep an algae bloom in check.
- Scrape or wipe off excess algae: Manually scraping or wiping off the algae from the surfaces of the aquarium can also help to reduce the bloom.
- Use chemical control: There are a variety of chemical products available for treating algae blooms, such as hydrogen peroxide, algaecides, etc. However, be careful when using chemicals in your aquarium as they can be harmful to fish, invertebrates and plants.
- Use a UV sterilizer: This is one of the most effective methods to treat an algae bloom. These are relatively inexpensive, and a UV sterilizer is handy to have around in the hobby.
- Adjust water parameters: Check your water parameters and make sure they are in the recommended range for your specific fish and plants.
I don’t recommend the blackout method in which the aquarium is left completely in the dark. The complete absence of light will kill off the algae, but it won’t treat the underlying cause. It can also be bad for any live plants that might be there in the aquarium while also stressing out the fish.
Yellowish-Brown Cloudy Water
Yellowish-brown cloudiness is one of the most common forms of cloudiness in aquariums. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Peat moss or tannins: Peat moss or tannins is one of biggest reasons behind brown cloudy water. Peat moss is often used to soften and acidify water in aquariums and can release tannins into the water. While this might look unseemly, it is not harmful to the fish.
- Organic debris: Fish waste, uneaten food, and plant debris can sometime lead to brown cloudy water. This is typically caused by overfeeding, poor filtration or poor tank maintenance.
- Iron or manganese: Iron or manganese can cause brown cloudy water if the levels are high in the water. This may be due to a poor source of water or due to the use of certain types of filtration media.
- Rust: Very cheap aquarium equipment can contain rust-prone parts which can leach into the aquarium. Use equipment from reputable brands.
- Ageing aquarium glass: Glass as it gets older can develop a yellowish or brownish tinge which can make the water look cloudy.
It’s important to first determine the cause of the brown cloudy water and then take appropriate action to fix it. Usually removing peat moss, bogwood, or anything else known to release tannins followed by a water change fixes this.
Other remedies include the controlling the amount of food given to the fish, cleaning and maintaining the filtration system, performing a water change, adjusting the water parameters, or changing the tank itself.
If the problem persists, it would be best to consult a professional or an experienced aquarist for further advice.
Cloudiness Present Only When Viewed Through The Glass
This might sound silly but I have heard of many cases of hobbyists trying everything to clear up their aquarium water and almost giving up only to realize that the water in the aquarium was fine all along and that it was only the glass that was dirty. An oily residue on the glass or a very thin film of hair algae can create a very convincing cloudy aquarium look.
Cleaning the glass of your aquarium is an important part of maintaining the health and appearance of your tank. Here are some steps you can take to clean the glass of your aquarium:
- Turn off any equipment in the tank such as the filter or heater.
- Remove any debris from the surface of the water using a skimmer or a net.
- Use an algae scraper or a sponge to remove any algae buildup on the glass.
- Use a clean, dry cloth or paper towel to wipe the front side of the glass.
- Once the glass is clean, turn the equipment back on.
It is recommended to clean the glass of the aquarium every time you do a partial water change, but if you have a lot of algae or debris buildup it may require more frequent cleaning.
Additionally, try to avoid using soap or detergents on your aquarium glass, as these can harm the fish and the beneficial bacteria in the tank.
It’s also recommended to not move or disturb the aquarium decorations or substrate as much as possible, as it can release debris and dirt into the water, making the cleaning process more difficult.
FAQ
What causes cloudy water in an aquarium?
Cloudy water in an aquarium can be caused by overfeeding, poor filtration, bacterial blooms, algae blooms, and suspended dirt and debris.
How can I clear cloudy water in my aquarium?
To clear cloudy water in your aquarium, you should first determine the cause of the cloudiness and take appropriate action. This may include reducing the amount of food given to the fish, cleaning and maintaining the filtration system, performing a water change, and adjusting the water parameters.
What is New Tank Syndrome?
In a new aquarium in which the nitrogen cycle hasn’t been established properly, there can be excess bacterial nutrition present. This leads to the bacterial population increasing rapidly giving the water a milky-white appearance.
How often should I do a water change to prevent cloudy water?
It is recommended to do a water change of about 10-15% of the tank water once a week. But it may vary depending on the number of fish, the size of the tank, the type of fish and plants, and the overall water quality.
Can overfeeding cause cloudy water?
Yes, overfeeding can cause cloudy water in an aquarium as it leads to an excess of waste and debris in the water
Can a bacterial bloom cause cloudy water?
Yes, a bacterial bloom can cause cloudy water in an aquarium. A bacterial bloom occurs when there is an overgrowth of beneficial bacteria in the tank.
Can a algae bloom cause cloudy water?
Yes, an algae bloom can cause cloudy water in an aquarium. Algae blooms are caused by an excess of light and nutrients in the water. This can be caused by poor maintenance or improper aquarium setup.
How can I prevent cloudy water in my aquarium?
To prevent cloudy water in your aquarium, you should regularly set up the aquarium correctly, properly cycle it. maintain your aquarium by performing water changes, cleaning the filter, and vacuuming the gravel or substrate, and monitoring the water parameters. It is also important to not overfeed the fish and to make sure the filtration system is adequate for the size of the tank.
To Sum Things Up!
Aquariums are meant to be soothing and comforting. Cloudiness can lead to the aquarium becoming an eyesore. Without the right know-how, you can end up in an endless loop of trying different things and not finding a lasting solution.
Determine which type of cloudiness it is. Usually, it is one of the following:
- Suspended particles – Caused by tiny solid undissolved particles
- White cloudiness – Bacterial bloom
- Green cloudiness – Algae bloom
- Yellowish-brown cloudiness – Tannins or leaching of chemicals
- Cloudy aquarium glass
Once the root cause it determined, apply the appropriate fix and the aquarium water should become crystal clear to create that soothing look all aquarists crave while also being a safe haven for all the inhabitants of the aquarium.
