Cloudy water- ideas why?

[carfac]

Hi:

Happy 4th!

My aq is just shy of 4 weeks. Had very clear water up until now. Now it is cloudy and mirky... almost like little air bubbles (but not). Just very milky looking. I have also recently noticed a LOT of 'pods recently, too- connected?

I have been putting photoplankton in, too. Added a shrimp a week ago. Added snails and crabs 2-3 weeks ago.

Any ideas what might be causing this, and/or possibl;e fixes?

ALSO- I have noticed little growths on my rocks, like little tiny spikes growing straight out of the rock. Not to be RUDE, but about the size of snail poop- 1/16 to 1/8 an inch in length, and just wider than a hair. They have white tips. ANy ideas on this?

Thanks for helping me learn so much!

Dave

[BigShakka]

im having the same problems, just today my water looked cloudy and its been about 4 weeks for me as well

[comatose]

sounds like you may be going thru a cycle. you've added a bio load to the tank, now it beginning to cycle again.

why are you adding photoplankton? you don't need it.

don't worry about the poop, we all do :) just vacuum the bottom when you do water changes.

the growth on the rocks could be anything, any pics?

[PatMayo]

Sounds like you could be having a bacteria bloom of some type. Since you are feeding Phyto this may be the cause. I would use some carbon and do some water changes. With good flow it should correct itself. I would not worry too much.

Regards,

Pat

[garyw68]

I just visited your web site. You look like a real handy guy. I wish I had that kind of talent.

[carfac]

I checked amonia- .1 so something is up

My LPS said the phyto planton was good to help keep the tank clean- lower algea... not so?

[comatose]

your going thru a mini cycle from the things you added, once the tank catches up with the bioload it will be fine, but try not to add to much at one time, especially with a small tank.

phytoplankton is ok for the tank, it's food, but mostly for clams, sponges, and gorgonians, but like any food, what is not eaten will decay. i would hold off on the phytoplankton till your tank is more established. then only start out with very small amounts of it.