Cloudy Water

[jennie]

I've had my newt in his new tank for about a week, and I can't seem to get the water clean. I don't have a filter in there, but I have lots of plants. Is that what's causing it? I changed some of the water last night, and it was fine, but today its dirtier than ever. Is there anyway I can fix this? Its a fairly small tank, if that means anything. Thanks

 

[joel]

IF your tank is new, its probably because your tank is in the process of cycling and bacterial blooms occur thus giving the water a cloudy look. Changing water will restart the cycle so if you keep changing 100% the water, it will not go over. Just leave the water it will eventually clear when the nitrogen cycle is established. And also keep an eye on the newt.

 

[cataldo]

I REALLY recommend a filter. Try a small duetto, it has sponges, and a place for carbon/ammonia chips to detoxify the water and provide a cleaner environment. They are only about $20.00 US. AT MINIMUM get a bubble filter, but at the price of $15.00 for one, the duetto is a much BETTER option.



Cataldo

p.s. and listen to Joel about the water changes, etc...

 

[jennifer]

During the break-in period, it is essential that there should be NO leftover food in the tank. I dont' know if this is contributing to your problem, but it could certainly account for the cloudiness. Also, there are some tap waters that cloud during the initial break-in period, and it has nothing to do with anything, it just goes away in a few weeks. (I had this problem with the water where i used to live: a perfectly clean tank sitting idle with new tap water would get cloudy, even with no animals or plants in it.)

 

[joe]

I've got to second the opinions of those above. The two times this has happened to me (either with ADFs or Newts) were cases of (a) bacteria cycling and (b) too much left over food--in this case, brine shrimp for the ADF tank.

If the water smells, it's probably the bacteria bloom/cycling. Now, since I can't see the tank, it is possible that some fine plant debris (especially without a filter) may be collecting on the bottom. Have you done any test of the water to check Ammonia levels?

Also, with a small tank, water quality can change very, very quickly--especially if there is no filter.

 

[jennie]

Thanks everyone! I actually ended up going out to get a filter, and its looking better. Its still a little cloudy, but I'm just assuming its that bacteria. Thanks again!