Starting out with a new fish tank is never an easy task, especially if it is your first time. There are a bunch of rules that you should follow to ensure that you create a healthy environment for the fish that will soon call the new fish tank home. At times, this can be very frustrating, because some of the preparation tasks can last for days. One thing that new fish tank owners often ask us about frequently is the clarity of the water. Many people have reached out to us wondering if it is normal to have cloud water in a new fish tank without fish. In this article, we will cover the main reasons why your new fish tank is already cloudy before you add fish.
Why do I have Cloudy water in new fish tank without fish?
Bacterial Bloom:
If you already have natural plants in your fish tank, the cloudy water is most likely a result of bacterial bloom. This is a natural process that occurs when plants decay and release bacteria into the water. The good thing is that bacterial bloom usually fixes itself, and after a couple days or weeks the organisms will learn naturally how to clear away the bacteria waste.
Rock Dust:
If you have added rocks to your fish tank, this could be the main reason you have cloudy water in your new fish tank. Dust from the newly added gravel usually floats around the tank for a while before settling back down at the bottom of the tank. As long as this residue clears after a day or two, you are safe to add your new fish to the tank.
High pH water:
Another reason your water could be cloudy is because of a high pH. This means your water likely contains heavy metals such as phosphate or zinc. We recommend testing your pH regularly. You should not add the new fish until your fish tank water reaches a pH range of 6.5-7.8.
Algae overgrowth:
If your new fish tank water is a green cloudy color, and you have algae, there is the possibility that you have an overgrowth of algae. If you suspect this is the case, you should trim some of the algae plants, and possibly take out some of the roots if the problem does not resolve itself.
