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About Nathan
Expertise
I can answer all questions related to freshwater aquariums. If I am not available because I am maxed out, you can find me on the Aquarium Plants category. Fish care, fish behavior, feeding, breeding, and diseases are my specialty. To be specific, I am most familiar (though I am familiar with most species) with Livebearers, Tetras, Barbs, Danios, Loaches, Goldfish, Angelfish (freshwater), Catfish (corydoras, plecos, etc.), Bettas, shrimp, and even snails. I can help out with new tank setups, the cycling process (nitrogen cycle), acclimation of fish, and general care. I can also answer questions regarding many species of freshwater plants, including fish compatibility with plants. Additionally, I can lend a hand when it comes to aquarium support equipment questions, such as those regarding filters, heaters, lighting, and thermometers. Questions about aquarium water conditioners and products are also accepted. I will try to answer your question to the best of my abilities, and if I do not know an answer, I will do my best to find out. I do not have much experience in saltwater aquariums, or pressurized CO2 systems, so I cannot answer any such questions. Best wishes, and good luck to your fish!

Experience
I have kept freshwater fish tanks for many years, and I am experienced with a variety of different freshwater species and invertebrates, such as Tetras, Barbs, Loaches, Danios, Livebearers, Cichlids, Goldfish, Bettas, Catfish, Shrimp, and Snails. I have helped people set up aquariums, and I am very familiar with aquarium products and equipment. I have also bred many fish, and I always care for my fish in the best way possible. What makes a good home for tropical fish? Well, all tropical fish, like guppies and Bettas, require filters, heaters, and a good-sized tank. Healthy fish should be actively swimming and feeding, with defined fins and clear eyes. Take a random check of some of your fish daily, to make sure they're thriving!

Education/Credentials
I own an extensive collection of aquarium-related books and magazines, and have read all about, and I am experienced in, many aspects of humane and proper fishkeeping. Through these books and other articles, from reliable internet sources, and from personal experience with fish, I have a thorough knowledge of freshwater aquariums, fish, and freshwater plant species.

You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Pet Fish > Freshwater Aquarium > cloudy fish tank

Freshwater Aquarium - cloudy fish tank

Expert: Nathan - 11/3/2009

Question
hi. i have a thirty gallon fish tank with only guppies in it. There are 13 guppies in the tank. I have had my fish tank for over a year. i do 25% water changes every week and it still turns a grayish green color again. nothing seems to work. the fish are healthy ..the water doesn't seem to bother them but it is not pleasant to look at. i wanted a fish tank so i could have crystal clear water with beautiful guppies in it. Can you help me?

Answer
Hi Anthony,

Green water is the result of an algae bloom. The form of algae you are experiencing is suspended in water, yet is too fine to be trapped by the filter. Algae is common in aquariums, but an excess of algae can be prevented. Fortunately, algae is not harmful to fish. You can do the following to remove the problem:

-Perform a 20% daily water change for 1 week, or until the problem clears up
-Keep aquarium lights on for no more than 8 hours (unless you have live plants)
-If you have live plants, keep your light on for 10 hours until it clears
-Keep doing weekly water changes to maintain water quality and remove nitrates
-Remove the aquarium from any potential source of sunlight

If you do not have live plants, you can cover the aquarium with dark towel(s) for 3-5 days. This will effectively starve the algae of light, killing it. This will ONLY work if you do NOT have live plants!

If you have live plants in the tank, keep the light on for no more than 10 hours until the problem resolves.

After you have killed off all the algae, you can put some live plants into the tank (if you have not already). The Plants will make your aquarium look much nicer, and they will out-compete the algae for nutrients, reducing algae greatly.

Good Luck, and Happy Fishkeeping!

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