Milky Water

[scb]

Hi there all,

I have a problem that I can't seem to solve. I think I have isolated the cause but my efforts to resolve the symptoms have not worked.

I added two "ornaments" to the tank - they were two vase types things that I bought from a warehouse type of store in Alexandria. They looked good but after five days - the water went from crystal clear to slightly Milky white and one of my oscars had died and been half eaten The Snail was also floating - dead.

I noticed the water shortly after I noticed the dead fish - the only shange that had been made to the tank was the ornaments. The fish were not acting or eating normally. I removed the Ornaments and the following day I did a 50% water change (A large water change I know - but I was assuming that there was some nasty chemicals in the water that might prove fatal to more fish).

Well - it didn't work - the fish are acting normal again - but the water still has a cloudy milky look to it. I am a bit worried about another water change as I believe that could be too stressful to the fish after only two days later.

Should I set up a temporary tank and remove the fish until the problem is resolved ? (This would mean totally new water - but it would be tested and free of polluntants)

I have never experienced such a major threat - I don't want to act rashly and cause more harm - nor do I wish to do nothing and end up killing my fish.

Suggestions for the best course of action ?

I would be very grateful for help ?

Barry

[scb]

PS - the water is milkier after the water change than it was before the water change - which makes me suspect that whatever it is may have found it's way into the filter ?

[fiona]

Dunno why, but for me, often after setting up a new tank the water has a whitish look to it for a while. Possibly the large water change might have caused this "new water" whiteness? Maybe a different cause of whiteness than before?

How are the fish now?

[Crazyfish]

Were they clay pots(unpainted) that you put in the tank or did they have some sought of paint finish on them?

Daniel

[Chester]

Did you rinse the "ornaments" before putting them into the tank?

[anchar]

Hi Barry,

The most common reasons for water "milkiness" are:

1. Ammonia cloud

2. Micro-organisms/micro-algae bloom

3. Contaminant eg. water soluble glues, paints etc

4. Gravel sediment

5. Gas inclusions in newly added water eg. if you add water from your hot water system, chlorine/chloramine etc.

Test your water for ammonia. Does the cloud disappear a few hours after you water change? Put the ornaments in bucket of water and see what happens to the water.

HTH narrow down the source of the "milkiness".

merjo

[scb]

Hi everyone,

Thanks for the replies - the problem is still there - after another Water change. And three doses of Particulate Water Clarifier. I have cleaned the filter daily for three days now and it has a Plaster type residue in large quantities - Ammonia levels are fine I think - The ammonia levels are being kept in check with ammonia lock treament but I have never been able to figure out the testing with this product because even after you use it - the ammonia tests positive according to the instructions - it is still there and will test positive but it is non-toxic once locked.

The Ornaments (which were soaked in a bucket for 24 hours (with no effect on the water in the bucket) have been removed from the equasion for four days now. I think the situation requires a complete tank overhaul - the biochemistry of the water must be shot to hell by now.

Here is what I think I should do - but I am not sure - Set up a temporary tank - relocate the fish and and start over with the Aquarium. Is this the best solution - the fish are still eating - and swimming normally - but I wonder how long they will be able to cope with the stress of a) the water cloudinessand b) the constant water change and filter cleaning.... Please let me know if this is a wise course of action - or should I simply keep filtering and cleaning the muck (whatever it is) out of the filter ?

I think Merjo nailed it with the Glue suggestion - it is either that or the plaster or clay that the Ornaments was made of - has broken down in the water over the course of the five days it was in there and it is residing in the substrate.

What I think is happening is once the Water clarifier clumps it and the filter catches it - it is then braking down again and being pumped back into the tank.

I have to say - I am so angry with the Pet warehouse I got these Ornaments from - but they have simple said that "the ornaments are fine - it must be something else.... argghhhh

thanks again.

b

[scb]

Hi there,

Thanks again for the replies - the problem has been solved - whatever was in the water has now been filtered out - Crystal clear water and happy fish...

Like a miracle really - the fish are probably still mad at me for my incompetence - and it is probably me that is happier now that the problem is fixed.

I shall not be returning to the dodgy pet warehouse in Alexandria...

Best,

Barry...

[PHL]

If there is plaster-like residue, you might have unintentionally hardened the water with the ornaments, causing precipitates. The the massive water change probably caused a bacterial bloom, which does not percipitate with clarifying drops, but will resolve (as you noticed) in a 2-3 days.