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Managing organics in water
Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2025 9:51 pm
by cidera
My tank's been getting cloudy lately, and I'm not sure if it's from overfeeding or something else. I do weekly 30% water changes, use a Fluval 307, and have a mix of Java Fern and Anubias. Any tips?
Re: Managing organics in water
Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2025 10:14 pm
by stacker
Cloudy water's a vibe killer, man. How much you feeding? I had the same issue till I cut back to once a day. Also, check your filter media, might need a rinse in tank water.
Re: Managing organics in water
Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2025 10:20 pm
by Feline
Organic buildup can come from excess food or decaying plant matter. Test your nitrates and phosphates. If they're high, try reducing feeding and siphon the substrate more thoroughly during water changes. A UV sterilizer can help with persistent cloudiness.
Re: Managing organics in water
Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2025 11:15 pm
by duskon9
Feline wrote: ↑Thu Jul 31, 2025 10:20 pm
Organic buildup can come from excess food or decaying plant matter. Test your nitrates and phosphates. If they're high, try reducing feeding and siphon the substrate more thoroughly during water changes. A UV sterilizer can help with persistent cloudiness.
Agreed. Also, consider adding more fast-growing plants like Hornwort to outcompete algae for nutrients.
Re: Managing organics in water
Posted: Fri Aug 01, 2025 12:03 am
by Lumineer
I've been there! It's frustrating, but don't worry, you'll get it sorted. How often are you cleaning your filter? A clogged filter can't handle organics well. Maybe try adding some Seachem Purigen to your filter media—it's a lifesaver for me.
Re: Managing organics in water
Posted: Fri Aug 01, 2025 12:13 am
by Vitaly1
My tank was cloudy too. I switched to feeding every other day and it cleared up in a week. Also, make sure your light isn't on too long, 6-8 hours max.
Re: Managing organics in water
Posted: Fri Aug 01, 2025 1:07 am
by cidera
Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'll try cutting back on food and check my filter media. Appreciate the help!
Re: Managing organics in water
Posted: Fri Aug 01, 2025 1:33 am
by stacker
Vitaly1 wrote: ↑Fri Aug 01, 2025 12:13 am
My tank was cloudy too. I switched to feeding every other day and it cleared up in a week. Also, make sure your light isn't on too long, 6-8 hours max.
Yep, lights are sneaky like that. I run mine for 7 hours with a timer, no issues since.
Re: Managing organics in water
Posted: Fri Aug 01, 2025 2:23 am
by Feline
If the cloudiness persists after adjusting feeding and lighting, consider testing your tap water. Sometimes, dissolved organics or silicates in the source water can contribute to the problem. A carbon filter or RO unit might be necessary.
Re: Managing organics in water
Posted: Fri Aug 01, 2025 2:40 am
by Lumineer
Don't forget to check your tank's flow too. Dead spots can let debris accumulate. A small powerhead or adjusting your filter output can make a big difference in keeping things moving and clean.