Cloudy Water

[TinysTank]

Hello,
I have recently planted live plants in my 12 gallon tank and have noticed that the water seems to have a cloudy tint to it with what appears to be little tiny air bubbles. How can I make the water more clearer?

[Diana]

Are you adding CO2 or do you have an air bubbler running that produces really fine bubbles? Either of these might be the source of the bubbles.

If the filter returns the water with too much splashing, that is another possible source of bubbles.

Sometimes tap water will have bubbles. Mine does, in the winter. When I do water changes these bubbles are all over the place and can kill the fish. However, if I let the water warm up the bubbles go away. These bubbles would only be seen in the first few hours after a water change.

Cloudy water can have several origins, and most of the solution is just to be patient, wait it out. It will go away.
Disturbed substrate: Wait it out.
Beginnings of Green Water Algae: have a look in the Algae forum for solutions. There are several.
pH altering materials. Either added to alter the pH, or hardscape materials like certain rocks.
Growth of heterotrophic bacteria. They may be feeding on stuff that got disturbed when you planted. They tend to die out pretty quick. Be patient.

[pandamonium]

i had an issue with cloudy water it was when i started cycling my tank. there was a bacteria bloom which i was told signified the start of my cycle. carbon doesnt remove it. once it dies and is replaced with the beneficial bacteria then it goes away on its own i think.

[angelsword]

Did you do a water change and forget to add de chlorinator? Since you said you had tiny bubbles I figured they might be from a recent water change. I've done that a few times and had a cloudy tank due to a mini cycle. The solution is a few extra water changes. The bubbles from the water change are harmless.