AboutNathan 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.
Question i brought a 55 gallon 1 year ago, i had my ph levels very high acid level. I brought PH up and cleaned up the levels. I also got Accu Clear Coniditioner, the water isnt' as clear as I want it to be, any suggestions?
Answer Hi Vince,
Cloudy water can be caused by three main factors - bacterial bloom, debris, and overfeeding/poor water quality.
In your case, it's most likely an abundance of nutrients (slightly overfeeding). Feed your fish only once per day. This will greatly improve the cloudiness of the water, as uneaten food particles cloud up the water very fast. These particles are too small to be picked up by a normal power filter. Fish really only need to be fed once per day (Think about it - freshwater fish will easily survive without food for a week! Don't try that, though.) Feeding less, along with 10% daily water changes plus a gravel cleaning will help clear up the cloudy water in no time at all. The gravel should be cleaned using a gravel siphon (If you do not have one, you can purchase one for about $6 at your local fish store.)
I highly discourage the use of chemicals to clear up the water... they can harm the beneficial bacteria in the filter which remove toxins. These beneficial bacteria are the most important aspect of filtration.
One more possible reason for the cloudiness is bacterial bloom. Beneficial bacteria will develop in the water to remove wastes. Normally, this bacteria will eventually settle to live in the filter (due to the high oxygen level). However, if you constantly disturb the filter (such as replacing filter media too frequently), or if you rinse the foam too often, the bacteria gets displace, and will cloud up the water. This can be prevented by changing the filter material once per month.
10% daily water changes and a gravel vacuuming will help in ANY cloudy water problem.
Good Luck, and Best Wishes to you and your aquarium!
