How to clear cloudy water - another filter or chemicals?

Question

my freshwater tank is getting cloudy often, i have used the magic clear stuff and that works great, but i don't want to spend a fortune on chemicals all the time, i have a hang on filter, should i buy an internal filter and an aerator, or will i have to keep using magic clear

PS. how long to barbs take to grow

Answer 1

if this is a new tank, the cloudy water might be the start of your 'good bacteria' bloom, that develops naturally and is part of the natural cycle tank water will go through.l

this bacteria is a good thing, as it converts your fishes waste products so they aren't poisoned.  it should clear up by itself doing a 50% water change and smallish 10% water changes every other day.

you really need to read up on tank cycling so you actually know what is going on with the water in your tank.

here is a site to help:

http://www.fishlore.com/NitrogenCycle.ht...

Answer 2

I would double check that you are using a big enough filter. Is it the right size to handle your tank? and take a look at how many fish you have do you think your tank is crowded? Is your filter clean do you rinse it and replace it as needed? Hopefully answering these questions helps you find your answer

Answer 3

How are your water levels?(Ammonia, nitrates, nitrites)  How often do you clean your tank, how old is it, size of tank, how many fish?

Please provide more details, I am happy to help however I need more information.

Also most chemical solutions should be avoided expect with drastic measures are needed and all other options explored.

*EDIT*

Oh my, your tank is very over populated, more than likely due to the age your nitrogen cycle is non-existant.  More than likely the cloudyness is due to obscene levels of hazardous waste in the water and your nitrogen cycle just can't keep up.

I would suggest you cut down the number of fish(those goldfish are the biggest problem, they are very dirty fish and for a tank your size, if you want goldfish there should only be 2 goldfish with nothing else)  If you decide to do this please do not flush them or some such action, find a local pet store and explain to them the reason you need to get rid of the fish.  More than likely they will take the fish no problem, they may even offer you store credit for them.

Until your biological filter is established 2-4 fish would be best to slowly help the good bacteria to populate the tank.  After that add more fish 2 at a time at most and allow your cycle to catch up again.  You really should invest in a basic test kit that tests for ammonia, nitrate and nitrite levels.  You can add more fish safely(again 2 at the most at a time) when you have no ammonia and nitrate readings, and very small nitrite levels.

If however you don't want to get rid of the fish you really really need to upgrade your tank size, I would also suggest you invest in some "Stress Coat" and "Stress Zyme" to help your water quality and help establish your biological filter(nitrogen cycle).

Regarding a new filter, YES, that would also be a smart move.  A general rule of thumb among many fish keepers is number of gallons/litres X 4 is how many gal/litre your filter needs to pump an hour.  In your case 90X4 = 360.  So you need  filter that filters at least 360 litre/hour.

This one would be more than adequate for your needs - http://www.petshop-online.com.au/prod95....

I found that just at a glance, however if you'd like more help in selecting a new filter please let me know I would be happy to help you find the best "Bang for your buck".

Again please contact me if you need more help or any other questions.  I wish you and your aquatic friends the best of luck.