Quarantine Tank Cloudy?

Cabo31 · Sep 9, 2016

I have a 20 gallon quarantine tank with 4 fish in it. I noticed today that the water turned cloudy and there was a odor to it. I did a 50% water change and tested for ammonia, nitrate and nitrite.
Ammonia 0
Nitrite .02
Nitrate 15
Question...why did it turn cloudy? Am I over feeding? Or what other causes could there be? Should I add a carbon filter?

bif24701 · Sep 9, 2016

Carbon isn't bad idea as long as your not medicating. Cloudy water=dirty water, change it. Changing water in a QT, especially a small crowded QT, is important.

alyee5 · Sep 9, 2016

I have a tough time keeping my QT's from turning cloudy also after a couple-few of weeks even with removing residual food and regular water changes...I am guessing these are bacteria blooms...never seems to bother the livestock, but I am going to get a UV sterilizer for my coral QT b/c the cloudiness inhibits lighting.

Darbna · Sep 9, 2016

I had the same thing several times. Bacteria bloom. Added 2 small powerheads and pointed up to ripple the water and an air stone. Cleared it right up.