Cloudy aquarium, what to do?

When the water in your aquarium becomes hazy, it can be worrying. It not only detracts from the overall look of your tank, but it may also indicate hidden problems that require fixing.

Whether you’re a novice or an experienced aquarist, handling hazy water can be annoying. The good news is that you can rapidly bring clarity back to your aquarium by comprehending the causes and knowing what actions to take.

In order to maintain the health of your fish and plants, let’s investigate potential causes of the cloudiness and potential solutions.

Ways to eliminate mechanical turbidity in the aquarium

Of course, the first thing that must be done is a thorough cleaning of the aquarium, which includes siphoning off the bottom and replacing a portion of the water with fresh water. Secondly, making the aquarium water’s mechanical filtration stronger. Mechanical turbidity is effectively removed by a synthetic filler in the filter. You’ll notice changes after just one day if you use it in place of a typical sponge. Any fabric store will sell a kilometer of synthetic padding for pennies on the dollar. The "blond filter" on YouTube or Yandex is another option.

Preparations that eliminate mechanical turbidity in an aquarium

Adsorbent aquarium carbon is ideal for handling the mechanical pollution found in aquariums. We advise using charcoal aquarium, which is explained in more detail in the aforementioned link, for the rapid and efficient removal of turbidity. Tetra CrystalWater: Tetra CrystalWater’s active ingredients combine small particles into larger ones that can be removed from the water by filtering it through an aquarium filter. Two to three hours after usage, the first effects become apparent. The water turns clean after 6 to 8 hours and crystal clear after 6 to 12 hours.

Note that this preparation aids in the cause, not hinders it. It eliminates the effects. Eugena, also known as "green water," is not helped by it. plus additional coloring. All he does is take the suspension and poke it into lumps. Watch the video for a more in-depth discussion of this.

BIOLOGICAL FACTORS

Aquarium water is not sterile. Even when the water looks clean visually, it contains various microorganisms that are not visible to the human eye. And this is a normal state of affairs.
In our world, everything is interconnected. Everything that was invented by the Almighty is not superfluous. Fungi and bacteria (bad or good) found in aquarium water play a vital role for all other inhabitants of the aquarium.
Now imagine what will happen if this process is disrupted? That"s right, there will be turbidity! Such a disruption is called "biobalance disruption" or "biological equilibrium" in aquaristics. By the period of occurrence, biobalance disruption can be divided into:
– Violations in a new aquarium;
– Violations in an old aquarium;

TURBIDITY IN A NEW AQUARIUM

Many sources on this issue write very briefly: “Don’t worry, the aquarium clouding will go away on its own in 3-5 days”. Full stop! After reading this, the aquarium newbie exhales, says “Ugh, glory to Neptune” and calms down. Yes, indeed, in the first 3-5 days a newly launched aquarium can become cloudy. Then the whitish turbidity, similar to fog, disappears on its own. What happens in a young aquarium? Why does the water in the aquarium become cloudy?
The biological balance is being adjusted in the aquarium. Namely, there is a rapid growth of bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms. At the same time, the products of the life of fish and other inhabitants of the reservoir accumulate in the aquarium. The discrepancy between the two, the rapid growth of organisms, is visually manifested in the form of cloudy water. Gradually the processes are leveled out and the biological chain is closed.
Based on the above, we can agree that the clouding of a young aquarium is not so bad. But, it can be prevented! Or rather, help the aquarium to tune up faster. How? We will talk about this a little later.

TURBIDITY IN AN OLD AQUARIUM

If the turbidity of a young aquarium is forgivable to an aquarist, then turbidity in an old pond is a sin! Violation of the biobalance often occurs due to oversight, due to the lack of basic care, due to ignorance or unwillingness to know what is happening in the aquarium. Excusable reasons for the turbidity of an old aquarium include turbidity of the aquarium after the treatment of fish, that is, when medications were used in the aquarium. Any medication has side effects, in particular, after their use, the biological balance is disturbed, because.. medicines negatively affect not only pathogenic organisms, but also beneficial. What is happening in an old aquarium? Why does the water become turbid in it?
And almost the same thing happens as in a young aquarium. But, if I may say so – in regression.
To make it even clearer for you, let"s break down the biological chain into links. NITROGEN CYCLE consists of the following.

"DIRT AND DEBRIS" (dead organic matter, fish food, feces, etc.) break down in the presence of microorganisms in AMMONIA/AMMONIUM NH4, a potent poison that is harmful to all living things. Next, NITRATES NO2, which are less potent but still poisonous, break down in the presence of another group of bacteria and finally form a gaseous state of N2-nitrogen, which emerges from the aquarium water. This is a multi-stage process with its own nuances, as you can see. I suggest visiting the forum thread for individuals who would like to examine it in greater detail.

AMMONIA, NITRITES AND NITRATES IN THE AQUARIUM.

We also suggest reading the content in the spoiler below:

Biological water purification

Among the most significant procedures that take place in enclosed aquarium systems is biological water purification. The term "biological purification" refers to the process by which bacteria found in the water column, gravel, and filter detritus mineralize, nitrify, and assimilate nitrogen-containing compounds. These kinds of organisms are consistently found in the filter column. Nitrogen-containing materials change forms during the mineralization and nitrification processes, but nitrogen stays in the water. Only during the denitrification process does the solution lose nitrogen (see Section 1.3).

Aquarium water can be purified using four different methods, one of which is biological filtration. The following section discusses three additional techniques: physical adsorption, mechanical filtration, and water disinfection.

Figure 1.1 depicts the water purification scheme, while Figure 1.2 depicts the nitrogen cycle in the aquarium, which includes the nitrification, denitrification, and mineralization processes.

Place of biological purification in the water purification process (Fig. 1.1). Biological purification, mechanical filtration, physical sedimentation, and disinfection are done from left to right.

Nitrogen cycle in closed aquarium systems, Fig. 1.2.

1.1. The mining process.

The two primary categories of microorganisms found in aquariums are autotrophic and heterotrophic bacteria.

Note: Not from the book by the author.

Heterotrophs are organisms that cannot produce organic substances from inorganic substances through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis (ancient Greek for "other," "different," and "food"). They need exogenous organic substances, or those made by other organisms, in order to synthesize the organic substances required for their essential activity. Digestion enzymes convert organic polymers into monomers during the digestion process. Heterotrophs are reducers and consumers of different orders in communities. Heterotrophs include almost all animals and some plants. They are split into two opposing groups based on how they obtain food: holozoans, which are animals, and holophytes, also known as osmotrophs, which are bacteria, fungi, plants, and many protists.

Autotrophs are organisms that synthesise organic substances from inorganic materials (ancient Greek: sam + food). In the food pyramid, autotrophs occupy the top tier (the first links of food chains). In the biosphere, they are the main producers of organic matter, which serves as food for heterotrophs. It should be mentioned that there are situations in which it is impossible to distinguish clearly between autotrophs and heterotrophs. Euglena green, a unicellular algae, is an example of an autotroph that is a heterotroph in the dark.

Though they don’t always line up, the ideas of "autotrophs" and "producers," as well as "heterotrophs" and "consumers," are occasionally confused. For instance, blue-green algae, or Cyanea, are able to produce organic matter through photosynthesis, consume it when it’s ready, and break it down into inorganic substances. As a result, they are simultaneously producers and reducers.

Inorganic materials found in soil, water, and the air are used by autotrophic organisms to construct their bodies. In this instance, carbon comes primarily from carbon dioxide. Some of them (phototrophs) get their energy from the Sun, while others (chemotrophs) get their energy from inorganic compound reactions.

Aquatic animals’ excreted organic nitrogen-containing components are used by heterotrophic species as a source of energy, and they are transformed into simple compounds like ammonium (which is the total of ammonium ions (NH4+) and free ammonia (NH3), which is measured analytically as NH4-N). The first step in biological purification is the mineralization of these organic materials.

The breakdown of proteins and nucleic acids and the creation of amino acids and organic nitrogenous bases can initiate the mineralization of nitrogen-containing organic compounds. Ammonium is created during the mineralization process known as deamination, in which the amino group separates. The breakdown of urea to produce free ammonia (NH3) can be the topic of deamination.

A chemical reaction of this kind can happen, but bacteria are needed for the deamination of amino acids and other related compounds.

Do not panic if the water in your aquarium has become murky; this is a common problem with easy fixes. Numerous things, such as overfeeding, unwashed substrate, or bacterial bloom, can cause cloudiness. To restore clarity, the key is to determine the cause, cut back on feeding, make sure that proper filtration is in place, and change the water frequently.

1.2. Nitrification of water.

"Nitrification" is the next step of biological treatment that occurs after heterotrophic bacteria have transformed organic compounds into inorganic form. The biological oxidation of ammonium to nitrites (NO2-, defined as NO2-N) and nitrates (NO3, defined as NO3-N) is the process that is being described here. The primary agents of nitrification are autotrophic bacteria. Unlike heterotrophic organisms, autotrophic ones can assimilate inorganic carbon (primarily CO2) to form their body’s cells.

In freshwater, brackish, and marine aquariums, autotrophic nitrifying bacteria are primarily found in the genera Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter. Ammonium is oxidized to nitrites by Nitrosomonas, and nitrites to nitrates by Nitrobacter.

Energy absorption causes both reactions to happen. The transformation of toxic ammonium into considerably less toxic nitrates is the meaning of equations (2) and (3). The presence of toxicants in the water, temperature, the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water, salinity, and the filter’s surface area all affect how effective the nitrification process is.

Toxic materials. Numerous substances can prevent nitrification in specific situations. These compounds, when added to water, either prevent bacteria from growing and reproducing or interfere with their intracellular metabolism, preventing them from oxidizing.

Many antibiotics and other agents used to treat fish did not affect the nitrification processes in freshwater aquariums, while others proved to be toxic to varying degrees (Collins et al., 1975, 1976; Levine and Meade, 1976). The results presented should not be extrapolated to marine systems, and no parallel studies in seawater have been carried out.

Table 1.1 displays the data that were presented in the three studies. Because the research methodologies differed, the findings cannot be fully compared.

Table 1.1 shows how nitrification in freshwater aquariums is affected by therapeutic concentrations of dissolved medications and antibiotics (Collins et al., 1975, 1976, Levine and Meade, 1976).

Collins et al. investigated the effects of pharmaceuticals in water samples extracted straight from fish tanks equipped with biofilters. For their studies, Levine and Meade employed pure bacterial cultures. Their techniques seemed to be more sensitive than standard ones. Accordingly, formalin, malachite green, and nifurpirinol exhibited a moderate level of toxicity for nitrifying bacteria in their experiments, although Collins et al. demonstrated that the same preparations were safe. Levine and Mead postulated that the differences could be attributed to the higher concentration of autotrophic bacteria in pure cultures and that the inactivation threshold would rise with higher concentrations of dissolved organic matter and heterotrophic bacteria present.

It is evident from Table 1.1 that erythromycin, chlortetracycline, methylene blue, and sulfanilamide have expressed toxicity in fresh water in a clear manner. Of the substances that were studied, methylene blue was the most toxic. Testing potassium permanganate and chloramphenicol produced inconsistent results.

Levine and Mead concur as well as Collins et al. that copper sulfate does not considerably prevent nitrification. This could be the outcome of free copper ions binding to organic compounds that have dissolved. According to Tomlinson et al. (1966), Nitrosomonas was significantly more sensitive to the effects of heavy metal ions (Cr, Cu, and Hg) in pure culture as opposed to activated sludge. They proposed that the development of chemical complexes between metal ions and organic matter was the cause of this. Short-term exposure to heavy metals was less effective than long-term exposure, most likely due to the incomplete utilization of organic molecules’ adsorption bonds.

Temperature. Many bacterial species can tolerate large temperature fluctuations, although their activity is temporarily reduced. A period of adaptation, called temporary temperature inactivation (TTI), often occurs with sudden changes in temperature. TTI is usually noticeable when the water is suddenly cooled; increasing temperature usually accelerates biochemical processes and therefore the adaptation period may go unnoticed. Srna and Baggaley (1975) studied the kinetics of nitrification processes in marine aquariums. An increase in temperature by only 4 degrees Celsius resulted in an acceleration of ammonium and nitrite oxidation by 50 and 12%, respectively, compared to the initial level. With a decrease in temperature by 1 degree Celsius, the rate of ammonium oxidation decreased by 30%, and with a decrease in temperature by 1.5 degrees Celsius, the rate of nitrite oxidation decreased by 8% compared to the initial conditions.

Water’s pH. According to Kawai et al. (Kawai et al., 1965), nitrification is more suppressed in seawater than in freshwater at pH values below 9. They attributed this to freshwater’s naturally lower pH. A drop in pH inhibits ammonium oxidation in freshwater aquariums, according to Seki (Saeki, 1958). The ideal pH for nitrite oxidation is 7.1, while ammonium oxidation requires a pH of 7.8. Seki believed that a pH range of 7.1–7.8 was ideal for the nitrification process. According to Srna and Baggaley, the pH range of 7.45 to 7-8.2 was the most active for marine nitrifying bacteria.

Oxygen dissolved in water. A biological filter can be compared to a huge breathing organism. When working correctly, it consumes a significant amount of oxygen. The oxygen requirements of aquatic organisms are measured in units of BOD (biological oxygen demand). The BOD of a biological filter is partly dependent on nitrifiers, but is mainly due to the activity of heterotrophic bacteria. Hirayama (1965) showed that at high BOD, a large population of nitrifiers was active. He passed seawater through a sand layer of an operating biological filter. Before filtration, the oxygen content in the water was 6.48 mg / l, after passing through a 48 cm thick sand layer. it decreased to 5.26 mg / l. At the same time, the ammonium content decreased from 238 to 140 mg.eq./ l., and nitrites – from 183 to 112 mg.eq./ l.

The filter layer contains both aerobic (needs O2 for life) and anaerobic bacteria (do not use O2), but in a well- In aerated aquariums, aerobic forms predominate. In the presence of oxygen, the growth and activity of anaerobic bacteria are inhibited, so normal circulation of water through the filter inhibits their development. If the oxygen content in the aquarium decreases, either the number of anaerobic bacteria increases or a transition from aerobic to anaerobic respiration occurs. Many products of anaerobic metabolism are toxic. Mineralization can also occur at low oxygen content, but the mechanism and end products are different in this case. Under anaerobic conditions, this process is more enzymatic than oxidative, with the formation of organic acids, carbon dioxide and ammonium instead of nitrogenous bases. These substances, along with hydrogen sulfide, methane and some other compounds, give the suffocating filter a putrid smell.

Salinity. Waters with large ionic composition fluctuations can support a wide variety of bacteria as long as salinity fluctuations happen gradually. The majority of the bacteria that ZoBell and Michener (1938) isolated from seawater in their lab could grow in freshwater. Even after being directly transplanted, many bacteria survived. By dilution with seawater, all 12 species of bacteria that are thought to be exclusively "marine" were successfully brought to freshwater (5% freshwater was added each time).

Bacteria of the biological filter are very tolerant to fluctuations in salinity, although if these changes are large and sudden, bacterial activity is suppressed. Srna and Baggaley (1975) showed that a decrease in salinity by 8% and an increase by 5% had no effect on the rate of nitrification in marine aquaria. At normal salinity in marine aquarium systems, nitrifying activity of bacteria was maximal (Kawai et al., 1965). The intensity of nitrification decreased with both dilution and with increasing concentration of the solution, although some activity remained even after doubling the salinity of the water. In freshwater aquariums, bacterial activity was highest before the addition of sodium chloride. Once the salinity became equal to that of seawater, nitrification ceased.

There is proof that salinity influences both the amount of end products produced and the rate at which nitrification occurs. Although more nitrite and nitrate were formed in marine aquarium systems, Kuhl and Mann’s (1962) research demonstrated that nitrification occurred more quickly in freshwater aquarium systems. Similar findings were obtained by Kawai et al. (Kawai et al., 1964), and they are displayed in Fig. 1.3.

Figure 1.3 shows the amount of bacteria in the filter bed after 134 days in small freshwater and marine aquarium systems (Kawai et al., 1964).

Filter surface area. Kawai et al. found that the concentration of nitrifying bacteria in the filter was 100 times higher than in the water flowing through it. This proves the importance of the size of the filter contact surface for nitrification processes, since it provides the ability to attach bacteria. The largest surface area of ​​the filter layer in aquariums is provided by gravel particles (ground), and the nitrification process occurs mainly in the upper part of the gravel filter, as shown in Fig. 1.4. Kawai et al. (1965) determined that 1 gram of sand from the upper layer of the filter in marine aquariums contains 10 to the 5th power of ammonium oxidizing bacteria 10 to the 6th power of nitrate oxidizing bacteria. At a depth of only 5 cm. the number of microorganisms of both types decreased by 90%.

Yoshida (1967) published Fig. 1.4, which shows the concentration (a) and activity (b) of nitrifying bacteria in a marine aquarium at various filter depths.

The shape and size of the gravel particles are also important: small grains have a larger surface area for bacteria attachment than the same amount by weight of large gravel, although very small gravel is undesirable, since it makes water filtration difficult. The relationship between their size and surface area can be easily demonstrated using examples. Six cubes weighing 1 gram each. Have a total of 36 surface units, while one cube weighing 6 grams. Has only 6 surfaces, each of which is larger than the individual surface of the small cube. The total area of ​​six one-gram cubes is 3.3 times greater than the surface area of ​​one 6-gram cube. According to Saeki (Saeki, 1958), the optimal particle size of gravel (soil) for filters is 2-5 mm.

Round particles are smaller in surface area than angular ones. Of all the geometric shapes, a sphere has the least surface area per unit volume.

Buildup of debris (The word "detritus," which comes from the Latin detritus, which means "weary out," has multiple definitions: 1. Deceased organic matter, momentarily removed from the biological cycle of nutrients; this includes the bones of vertebrates, the remains of invertebrates, and their excretions; 2. a collection of minute, undecomposed plant and animal particles suspended in water or settling on a reservoir’s bottom; this is filtered to add surface area and enhance nitrification. Seki claims that bacteria living on detritus is responsible for 25% of the nitrification that occurs in aquarium systems.

1.3. Absorption

The process of nitrification leads to a high degree of oxidation of inorganic nitrogen. Dissimilation, "nitrogen respiration", or the process of reduction, develops in the opposite direction, returning the end products of nitrification to a low degree of oxidation. In terms of total activity, the oxidation of inorganic nitrogen significantly exceeds its reduction, and nitrates accumulate. In addition to dissimilation, which ensures the release of part of the free nitrogen into the atmosphere, inorganic nitrogen can be removed from the solution by regularly replacing part of the water in the system, by assimilation by higher plants or by using ion-exchange resins. The latter method of removing free nitrogen from the solution is applicable only in freshwater (see. section 3.3).

The process of dissimilation is primarily anaerobic and takes place in filter layers that are low in oxygen. Denitrifiers with the ability to reduce, bacteria are typically either fully (obligate) anaerobes or aerobes that can transition to anaerobic respiration in the absence of oxygen. These are typically heterotrophic organisms; for instance, some Pseudomonas species have the ability to reduce nitrate ions (NO3-) in the presence of oxygen scarcity (Painter, 1970).

During anaerobic respiration, dissimilatory bacteria assimilate nitric oxide (NO3-) instead of oxygen, reducing nitrogen to a compound with a low oxidation number: nitrites, ammonium, nitrogen dioxide (N20) or free nitrogen. The composition of the final products is determined by the type of bacteria involved in the reduction process. If inorganic nitrogen is completely reduced, that is, to N2O or N2, the dissimilation process is called denitrification. In a fully reduced form, nitrogen can be removed from water and released into the atmosphere if its partial pressure in the solution exceeds its partial pressure in the atmosphere. Thus, denitrification, unlike mineralization and nitrification, reduces the level of inorganic nitrogen in water.

1.4 The aquarium is "balanced."

“Balanced aquarium” is a system in which the activity of bacteria inhabiting the filter is balanced with the amount of organic energy substances entering the solution. The level of nitrification can be used to judge the “balance” and suitability of a new aquarium system for keeping aquatic organisms – hydrobionts. At first, the limiting factor is the high ammonium content. Usually in warm-water (above 15 degrees Celsius) aquarium systems it decreases after two weeks, and in cold-water (below 15 degrees) – over a longer period. The aquarium can be ready to receive animals within the first two weeks, but it is not yet completely balanced, since many important groups of bacteria have not yet stabilized. Kawai et al. described the composition of the bacterial population of a marine aquarium system.

1. Cardiovascular. Within two weeks of planting the fish, their number multiplied tenfold. After two weeks, the highest number of organisms in 1 g of filter sand was recorded, which was 10 to the eighth power. The bacterial population stabilized at 10 to the seventh power of specimens per 1 g of filter sand after three months.

2. Ammonifiers, bacteria that break down proteins.Over the course of four weeks, the initial density (10 to the third power of specimens/g) increased 100 times. The population reached a stable level of 10 to the 4th power of specimens/g after three months. The introduction of fresh fish, which is high in protein, led to a notable surge in the population of this particular class of bacteria.

3. Bacteria that break down carbohydrates in starch. 10% of all the bacteria in the system were present at the beginning. After that, it increased gradually before starting to decline after four weeks. After three months, the population reached 1% of the total number of bacteria and stabilized.

4. Nitrifying bacteria. The maximum number of bacteria oxidizing nitrites was noted after 4 weeks, and "nitrate" forms – after eight weeks. After 2 weeks, there were more "nitrite" forms than "nitrate". The number stabilized at 10 to the 5th power and 10 to the 6th power specimens. respectively. There is a time difference between the decrease in ammonium content in water and oxidation at the beginning of nitrification, due to the fact that the growth of Nitrobacter is suppressed by the presence of ammonium ions. Effective oxidation of nitrites is possible only after most of the ions have been converted by Nitrosomonas. Similarly, the maximum of nitrites in the solution should appear before the accumulation of nitrates.

A new aquarium system’s high ammonium content may be brought on by an unstable balance between autotrophic and heterotrophic bacteria. In the early stages of the new system, heterotrophic organisms grow faster than autotrophic forms. Certain heterotrophic organisms absorb a significant portion of the ammonium created during mineralization. Put differently, it is impossible to discern between ammonium processing that is heterotrophic or autotrophic. Only after the number of heterotrophic bacteria has decreased and stabilized does active oxidation by nitrifying bacteria take place (Quastel and Scholefield, 1951).

A new aquarium’s bacterial population is only significant until it reaches a stable number for each kind. Consequently, variations in the energy substance supply are offset by an increase in the metabolic activity of individual cells without a corresponding increase in the number of cells overall.

The population density of nitrifying bacteria living in a filter of a particular area is relatively constant and is independent of the concentration of incoming energy substances, according to research by Srna and Bagaliya and Quastel and Shoelfield (1951).

The daily supply of oxidizable substrate is directly correlated with the total oxidizing capacity of bacteria in a balanced aquarium. The ammonium and nitrite content of the water noticeably rises when the weight, number, and amount of feed added to the animals all increase all at once. Until the bacteria adjust to the new environment, this state of affairs continues.

The length of the elevated nitrite and ammonium content period is determined by the additional load placed on the water system’s processing component. Equilibrium under the new circumstances is typically restored in three days in warm water, and much later in cold water, provided that it is within the biological system’s maximum productivity. The ammonium and nitrite content will rise steadily if the extra load is greater than what the system can handle.

The processes of mineralization, nitrification, and denitrification are more or less constant in a newly established aquarium. They take place practically simultaneously in a steady-state, stable system. The ammonium content (NH4-N) in a balanced system is less than 0.1 mg/l, and denitrification is the cause of all captured nitrites. The aforementioned processes happen in unison, without any lagging, as all incoming energy sources are promptly absorbed.

This content is taken from S.Spott’s book "Keeping Fish in Closed Systems," which can be viewed in its entirety at this link.

And now imagine what will happen in an old aquarium if one of the links, for one reason or another, falls out? There will be turbidity, algae outbreak and/or greening of the water. Unlike turbidity in a young aquarium, turbidity in an old aquarium not only spoils the appearance of the aquarium, but is also very dangerous. The following happens: under the influence of poisons, the immunity of fish weakens, their defense mechanisms weaken and become unable to resist harmful – pathogenic bacteria and fungi (which are always in the water). As a result, the fish gets sick and if treatment is not carried out in time, the fish dies. Thus, we can conclude that the violation of the biological balance is the primary cause of the death of aquarium fish.

To be fair, it should be mentioned that excessive ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate saturation of aquarium water can happen without the water becoming cloudy. The enemy is invisible, which makes the situation even more terrifying.

HOW TO GET RID OF A BIOLOGICALLY CLOUDED AQUARIUM

The aquarium must be meticulously cleaned on a regular basis, and the fish should not be overfed. Recall that the only surefire method of eliminating toxins from an aquarium is to regularly replace the water with fresh.

Beginners, don’t turn off the filtration and aeration at night! Steps to take in order to remove biological turbidity from the aquarium and correct the biobalance: A vast majority of aquarium manufacturers possess a range of accessories designed to modify the biological equilibrium. These preparations’ main components can be categorized as follows: – Neutralize toxins (such as ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates); – Encourage the development of beneficial bacterial colonies or act as a ready-made concentrate of these bacteria. We advise using these preparations in combination for optimal results.

Preparations that neutralize poisons.

Both zeolite and aquarium carbon function as adsorbents. Zeolite, on the other hand, handles ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates flawlessly, in contrast to carbon, which cannot "draw in" these substances. Zeolite is widely used in many facets of human life, not just aquaristics. It is therefore even available for bulk purchases.

Zeolites are a broad class of minerals with similar compositions and characteristics. They are aqueous aluminosilicates of sodium and calcium from the framework silicates subclass, having a pearlescent or glassy sheen and the capacity to absorb and reabsorb water in response to changes in humidity and temperature. The capacity of zeolites to exchange cations and selectively release and re-absorb different substances is another crucial characteristic.

A preparation acting at the chemical level. Sera Toxivec – a preparation that instantly blocks poisons at the chemical level. Toxivec does not remove poisons, it converts them into a safe one for fish forum. Therefore, aquarium tests will detect poisons. This preparation is needed for smooth water changes.
Sera Toxivec instantly removes ammonium/ammonia and nitrites. Thanks to this, it prevents their conversion to nitrates and helps prevent the growth of irritating algae.
In addition, Sera Toxivec removes aggressive chlorine from tap water. Also effective as a remover of disinfectant residues and medications.
At the same time, it is capable of even more: it binds toxic heavy metals such as copper, zinc, lead and even mercury. Therefore, these pollutants cannot harm the fish and beneficial bacteria in the biofilter. Thanks to this, the frequency of water changes can be reduced.
If necessary, for example, at particularly high pollution levels, the dose of the product can be increased. Repeated application of the product is allowed after one or two hours.

The products promote the growth of colonies of beneficial bacteria or are a ready-made concentrate of bacteria

– starter products and quick start of the aquarium.

A conditioner called Tetra Bactozym quickens the process of restoring the biological equilibrium in the filter and aquarium. Fits both freshwater and ocean water. Tetra Bactozym contains a concentrate of substances and enzymes that support the growth of beneficial microflora in the aquarium and speeds up the conversion of nitrites to nitrates. ensures that dissolved organics are broken down by enzymes and leaves the water perfectly clear. By using a conditioner, you can restore microorganisms that have been weakened or damaged by medication and lessen the harm that is done to beneficial microflora during water changes and filter cleanings. Please be aware that different kinds of bacterial cultures and enzymes are present in biostarters. Their efficacy is diminished by excessively high or low temperatures.

Tetra NitrateMinus is a 12-month supply of liquid conditioner with biological nitrate reduction. raises the quality of the water. made to fit all kinds of freshwater and marine aquariums. NitrateMinus lessens carbonate hardness and encourages the conversion of nitrates into nitrogen. A 60 mg/l reduction in nitrates causes the carbonate hardness to rise by about 3 KH. The risk of an acidity drop is decreased and the pH of the water stabilizes with regular use of the product following a water change. NitrateMinus has full compatibility, is entirely safe for fish, and is based on biological processes in the aquarium. It complements other Tetra products and TetraAqua EasyBalance well.

The same focus is shared by other products. I advise keeping an eye on Tetra Biocorin.

Clouding of aquarium water from dyes and primary organics

A snag can release tannins into the water, causing the water to turn brown. Other causes of colored water in aquariums include food residue, fish waste, plant juice, etc. This is all primary organic material that needs to be eliminated. You’ll benefit greatly from Sikem Purigen as well as the same coal.

We discussed this product in the live session, in an additional video, and in an article. We shall therefore refrain from dispersing too widely. Read and watch. Decide something.

Problem	Solution
New tank syndrome	Wait for the water to naturally clear up as the beneficial bacteria establish themselves. This can take a few days to weeks.
Overfeeding	Reduce the amount of food given to your fish. Remove any uneaten food from the tank to prevent water cloudiness.
Dirty filter	Clean or replace the aquarium filter. Ensure the filter is properly functioning to maintain clear water.
Gravel residue

Aquarium cleaning doesn’t have to be a stressful task. You can restore the clarity of the water by taking targeted actions after determining the underlying cause, which may be an excess of waste, overfeeding, or bacterial bloom.

Little actions like cutting back on feedings, changing the water frequently, and making sure your filtration system is operating correctly can have a significant impact. It’s important to be patient because some problems might take some time to fix.

Recall that having a healthy, clear aquarium keeps your fish and plants happy and presents better. The best defenses against cloudiness reoccurring are routine maintenance and close observation.

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