CichlidFish.com - Fish That Think.

O.K I'm setting up another 55 gal. for my oddball's. A couple days ago I set it up with no water or heater,filters etc. Anyway, last night I added the water and conditioners and turned everything on. The tank looked great! I usually take media or gravel or just water to set up a new tank to avoid the cycle process. This time seeming how there is no rush I was just going to run the cycle with a few guppy's and goldfish. I woke up this morning and checked on the temp and the water has gone really cloudy.? I haven't done a new tank in so long I don't remember what is happening. Why is the new water turning so nasty just over a 24 hr. period? I want some help here people.

Here's your chance to get me back for any kind of smart *** comment I've ever mad about your questions.!:D
Just remember I'm a newbie and be nice!!! :innocent:

Ok tug, one question, whats the cloudy water colour? whitish, brownish, or greenish?

Hi, Tug. If it's whitish, it's most likely just the normal "new tank" stuff. Combination of bacterial bloom, plus suspended particulates from the gravel. Don't add any more fish till the cycle finishes, and keep a watch on your ammo & nitrites.

Color is whitish.

Haven't added any fish as of yet.

Should I add some to move the process along a little quicker? If it's just the tank settling I don't see any harm in adding fish do you guys?

No you can add them, or if you want to experment, why not try a fishless cycle. It really pretty simple to do, just involves a bit of time and water testing. Its way faster though than useing fish to establish a cycle, but not as quick as using established filter media, etc. If you interested post back, and I'll tell you what you need to do it.

Took the liberty of lifting a short-cut to a previous post by Fuzzy on fishless cycling:
http://www.cichlidfish.com/portal/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=18189&highlight=cycle

That sounds like a better way of doing it. I've never tried the fishless cycle before (heck it's been a couple years sense I've tried any kind of cycle). Great post all the same.

I read this a little to late, I added some fish just before logging on tonight. I'll try the fishless cycle on the next tank (70 gal.) there will be no rush on that one either.

As for the cloudy water, I just did a 80% water change and it looks great again. It must have been from the gravel like you said Dan. The gravel has been sitting in a empty tank for about 8 months.

So thanks guys for the info, and a big thanks for not making me feel like a newbie. A chance to rib me a little and you didn't take it, I'm not sure if I could have resisted such an oppurtunity.

Well me and my cloudy water are OUT!!!
Tug

Thanks Dan, I just reread it, I guess it should get moved into the FAQ's.

It'd be easier to find...