White cloudy water

[AeonMapa]

My tank has been up and running for about 2 months now. It's. 10 gallons and I have 5 Cfbn and 6 wcmm in it. It is heavily planted and is filtered with a small sponge filter and a power filter which I use on occasion to clear the water. Recently I added some coconut bark and some tannin colored water (from a bucket where I was soaking driftwood) the next day I wake up and the water has gone cloudy. I think maybe some of the water I added had ammonia from the wood maybe? Any other explanations? And how can I clear it up??

 

[AeonMapa]

Most probably bacterial bloom right? Will it harm my newts?

 

[JoshBA]

Yeah that would be a bacterial bloom. Its unlikely from ammonia, but probably organic matter and nutrients from the wood. It always happens when I set up paludariums, as I have a tendency to spill some soil into the water when I set it up. Eventually it usually goes away, and your plants should help absorb the nutrients causing the bloom. I would just do a few small water changes; more if you detect any ammonia/nitrite. It won't harm the newts as long as it isn't from ammonia or nitrite.

 

[AeonMapa]

Cool thanks! I'll continue to do small water changes maybe I won't use my tannin water, shame though cos i wanted the color.. also will do a thorough siphoning. I'll update when I can. Any tips on helping it to clear faster?

 

[AeonMapa]

I got home to crystal clear water!