algae problem or bacteria bloom?

[joeandsheila]

I need help with a 55 gallon that I started setting up the 1st week of November 2009 I used SAS Shultz Aqua Soil and Laterite with a PFS sand cap. I did have an ammonia spike the 1st week in December since then NO2 has been 0-0.50mg/l and the ammonia has been at 0-0.50mg/l, Ph at 7.2 using a Tetra/Laborett test kit.

The problem is the tank is cloudy during the day but clears up over night after I shut the lights off. Is this an algae problem or bacteria bloom? This started on the 25th before the 25th the tank was crystal clear. I have done one water change on Saturday 50%. The only things added to the tank were 2 new filters an Eheim 2215 on the 24th and an Eheim 2217 on the 14th. I have left two other HOT filters in service from the start on the tank. I have never had a tank crystal clear in the morning and turn cloudy by late afternoon than repeat this for several days in a row.

I did leave a cup of water out last night and it looks clear today. but the tank is clouding up again.

Water changes 10-20% per week
Lighting: 260 watts PC using 130 watts for 8 hours.
CO2: DIY until funds for a pressurized
Frets: Seachmen Floursih and Excel until it runs out than going to dry dosing?? Still confused on the brand to use

Plants: Java moss, Marsilea minuta. Need to get some more once funds are available or trasfer some from my 29 gallon.
Fish: None still waiting budget
Filters: Emperor 400, HOT Magnum (using the Micron Cartridge), Eheim 2215, and Eheim 2217

Thanks for your help.
Joe

[lauraleellbp]

I was going to say bacteria bloom due to adding new filters, but then I saw you're only running DIY CO2 on the tank, so now I'm not sure either LOL

I'd give it a week and see what happens.

[Kisho3]

It may be the sand? Hmm. Have you ever tried using CaribSea biomedia or Aquaclear? They're water clarifiers, and may just solve your problems ^_^

[joeandsheila]

I‘ll try to have pictures later tonight have to modify the pictures a little. New camera and set the format to RAW NEF oops

The cloud has a white/gray tint to it with a little brown. Looks like dust flying around.

Giving it another week and see what happens, a great suggestion, Thanks Laura

A UV sterilizer would be nice. Just funds are tight at the moment.

I have never had a tank crystal clear in the morning and turn cloudy by late afternoon than repeat this for several days in a row. Strange

I also should mention the PFS cap is only on 70% of the surface I am still experimenting with the layout out of this tank. And the PFS does not kick up dust to bad when inserting plants like my other tank does. (I have not moved any plants in over three weeks).

[lauraleellbp]

If it's debris, throwing a micron pad in your filter would probably work. A bag of Purigen wouldn't hurt either, if you aren't already using it.

If it's algae, you'll probably need to either lower your lighting or get pressurized CO2.

If it's a bacteria bloom it should stabilize on its own.

[elihanover]

When I had my bacteria bloom, it looked better at night, but that was just because there wasn't any light being filtered through the fog. I would add a micron pad and wait a week, so you might be able to rule out algae if the fog clears up.

[joeandsheila]

Just a quick update I left the tank alone for a few days and everything cleared up. Water looks crystal clear day and night. I was just a little impatient. I should of known better.

Thanks for all your help.

Joe