allan

I have maintained this 90 gallon tank with cichlids now for over 2 years without any problems.
I have an aqua clear filtration system with a powerhead (no undergravel filter).No live plants,I keep the lights on about 6.5 hours a day.
I do a 20 % water change weekley and 50% every 4 weeks.All my chemical levels are perfect.but for some reason lately I have had a hint of cloudyness to my water,its always been crystal clear.
I have tried everything .I really hate adding chemicals.. I also use a gravel vac

Im at my wits end..

any suggestions?

BJP

Somethings changed. Here's some options.

1. You changed brands of food or quantity of feeding.

2. Something in the water source changed. That can be true for municipal water as well as well water. If it's well water a full set of tests yearly can give you a reference to what has been happening to your water quality over the years. If it's municipal water you pay for they have to provide the information to you when requested including any new chemical additions. You should also be able to have the tap double checked to see what changes are occurring between the plant and your tap in the piping system.

3. The bulbs in the tank lights are nearing the end of their usefulness and need replacing.

4. Something new in the house is reflecting room or window light onto the tank.

5. You haven't been monitoring the nitrate level and over the years the tanks load has increased from growth and maybe reproduction. Now larger percentage or more frequent water changes are needed to handle the accumulations.

6. The anode rod in your hot water heater has finally worn out and you're now getting breakdown of the metal inside the tank ending up in your hot tap water used for filling the tank. Replacing the anode rod before you get a huge leak damaging the house may be called for and filling the tank with only cold water after allowing it to sit and warm to room temperature.

Hopefully some of those will get you headed in the right direction for finding the culprit. The cloudiness is most likley a small het bloom related to the light. Appearing now says somethings changed in either the nutrient levels, the lighting sources or both. Turn the tank lights off for a week or so and try a few extra water changes. If it doesn't improve look into the nutrient side. If it does try the lighting side.