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View Full Version : how do I get crystal clear water

alexk3954
06/02/2006, 10:16 PM
I set up my first reef about 3 weeks ago and the water has been relatively clean. Recently the water seems more murky. I was wandering what you guys do to keep your water clean. I am using a cheap HOB aquaclear filter, but there seems to be very fine particles in the water. I noticed a decrease in water clarity the exact same day that there was an explosion in the copepod population. Not sure if that has anything to do w/ my situation though.
WorldNation
06/02/2006, 10:26 PM
your tanks still cycling
JBlades
06/02/2006, 10:41 PM
You will need to add a protien skimmer. Some also run reef carbon media 2-4 days a month or so, not to much don't want to rip all the minerals.

There are tons of different ways to filter. Just keep in mind that your tank is still cycling, so don't freak out, chill and it will work its self out.

Watch your PH and Salinity closely and you'll be fine.
alexk3954
06/03/2006, 05:27 PM
my readings are

ammonia-0
nitrite-0
nitrate-5
ph-8.2
salinity-1.024
calcium 400
alkalinity-12

am I not done cycling, will the water get clear naturally?
wrott
06/03/2006, 05:36 PM
Doing several 30% water changes over a couple of days may clear it up---it could be just a bacterial bloom.
reefinmike
06/03/2006, 05:38 PM
skim and throw in some mechanical media...
spline9
06/03/2006, 05:55 PM
Let it be. Its most likely cycle-related. Pod bloom comes from algae bloom which comes from nutrient bloom from...

Give it time, it'll all balance out.
King-Kong
06/03/2006, 05:58 PM
One of the few things that make me proud of my tank (I have plenty of troubles) is my water clarity.

I have about 50x turnover, and run carbon constantly (changing it out every couple of weeks). I dont know if either attribute is the real reason, but my other specs can be seen in my signature.

However, as others have said, at this early stage in your tank's life, I wouldnt sweat it. Let things settle, and after 3-6 months come re-examine the situation.
mushnmeesh
06/04/2006, 11:33 AM
Be patient it will clear itself out . Water changes won't hurt either.
xtrstangx
06/04/2006, 11:37 AM
Give it time.

And keep up with your weekly water changes.
Randy Holmes-Farley
06/04/2006, 12:35 PM
Skimming, activated carbon, and ozone all can contribute to water clarity.

These may be useful:

Ozone and the Reef Aquarium, Part 1: Chemistry and Biochemistry
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-03/rhf/index.php

Ozone and the Reef Aquarium, Part 2: Equipment and Safety
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-04/rhf/index.php

Ozone and the Reef Aquarium, Part 3: Changes in a Reef Aquarium upon Initiating Ozone
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-05/rhf/index.php