Hi FishGuyNeedHelp
What you have is an algae bloom, curiously enough, called Green Water.
It is caused by a single cell algae, which is capable of rapid reproduction, requires only "some" light.
It feeds on nutrients in the water column, NO3, PO4, Urea. The levels of nutrients
do not need to be excessive to feed the bloom. That is misinformation, beware. It leaves you vulnerable to being sold a ton of Snake Oil cures.
It is
extremely difficult to water change, or filter it away unless like Aaron advises you go to the expense or hassle of using a UV Sterilizer or a good Diatom Filter.
It is
harmless to fish or critters. FW shrimp love it, the aquarium owner however can suffer from frustration and high blood pressure trying to get rid of it.
You need to get a test kit that is going to allow you to know your "tank parameters". pH, GH, KH, Nitrites, Nitrates,
the basics. Otherwise you will have no frame of reference for the advice and cures we propose.
Green Water is very easily cured but will come right back if some basic issues are not addressed.
Multi Front Attack:
1. Overfeeding will spike Urea into the water column
2. Big fish that produce a lot of waste, will contribute to an increase in the
Dissolved organic compounds in the water.
Green Water Algae Love you for providing 1 & 2
Larger and more frequent water changes will help here, 25% weekly at a minimum, and a good vacuuming of the substrate each change.
A test for Nitrates (NO3) will tell you two things. 1. if your nitrates are above 10 ppm the algae are loving it. 2. Elevated nitrate readings are an indication that the water quality is suffering (high levels of Dissolved Organic Stuff).
The Cure:
1. Do a fifty % water change
2. Black out the tank for 72 hours, Wrap the tank with black plastic garbage bags so NO light gets in. Leave the filter running. No Peeking, No Light.
The fish will be fine.
After 72 hours unwrap the tank, it will be crystal clear. Do a 25% water change. Clean your filter.
I rarely recommend chemical intervention, but Seachem makes a Product called "Purigen" that may be helpful in your tank after you have done the blackout.
Remember the green water will return if you do not address the water quality issues mentioned above.
Hope this helps.
Regards
Jay
