Expert: Susan Fields - 7/1/2006

Question
We have had our gold fish tank for about 12 years.  The fish started tiny and are now really large.  We have filters, rocks, bubbles etc and all has been well.  Occassionally the water has look dirty and we get busy and clean it.  BUT this time we gave it a regular cleaning (30gallon tank) and everything is working as usual but the water has turned a cloudy milky color.  The fish seem fine but we would like it back to clear.  We have changed it 3 times in the lst 3 weeks and everytime it's the same.  We've done a dip stick test and added a bit of bacteria and de-chlorinator etc.  but no luck.  Please help we would like to see our fish again.
Frances

Answer
Dear Frances,
Have you done anything different this time with cleaning? Anything like overcleaning filters, stirring the gravel excessively can cause a cloudy water problem. Cloudy water is usually from the presence of bacteria or even infusoria whom could be feeding on excess nutrients present in the water. Many things can cause this like overfeeding, a thorough cleaning of the gravel and filter, or even (I have found) that changing water conditioners can cause a moderate to severe cloudiness that fortunately goes away in about a day or two.

It's difficult to know exactly what could have caused the cloudiness without a ton of information. But I have found the biggest and most reliable cure-all for cloudy water problems is daily water changes. Fifty-percent of you can. Everyday will help. Remember to always equalize the temperature of the replacement water and always dechlorinate it with every water change.
Thirty percent will even help if you cannot manage 50% everyday. This should really cure itself on its own with time but there may be from a major stirring of fine particles that are clouding the water, but water changes do really help.

Cloudy water after every water change can indicate that aquarium is in need of more frequent cleanings.

But above all I believe I would change at least 30-50% of your water everyday until it clears. To insure the water quality is not bad please insure your readings are as followed-
Ammonia-0
Nitrite-0
Nitrate-20 or less...

Well, I really hope this helps!
Only my very best wishes and Happy fishkeeping!
Karen~