How to Remove Tiny Particles in Aquariums

Cloudy aquarium water provides an unattractive focal point in your home, while crystal-clear water goes unnoticed. Cloudy aquarium water is caused by tiny particles from various substances such as uncleaned substrate, algae, minerals and chemicals. Removing the tiny particles may require multiple attempts. If one method doesn't work, move on to the next. Clear the cloudy water in your aquarium as soon as possible, before the tiny particles multiply. Instead of unclear water being a focal point in your home, get a new backdrop or rock and complement it with crystal-clear water.

Things You'll Need

  • Chemical filter
  • Gravel vacuum
  • Algaecide
  • Aquarium clarifier
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Instructions

    • 1

      Fill a container, such as a bowl or bucket, large enough to hold fish with water from the aquarium. Gather fish with a net and empty them into the filled container. Drain the tank and remove the substrate from the bottom of the aquarium. Rinse the substrate in water until the water runs clear before placing the clean substrate back into the aquarium. If your aquarium is new, you still need to rinse the new substrate to remove powdered minerals that are sticking to the substrate material. Fill the aquarium with water. Transfer the fish back into the aquarium.

    • 2

      Adjust the amount of food given to your fish if you suspect the tiny particles are coming from uneaten food. Only feed your fish what they can eat in one minute. Uneaten food breaks down into smaller pieces, which could remain in the water.

    • 3

      Remove the mechanical filter from its water pump location. Accumulated waste materials stop the mechanical filter from working properly and must be cleaned. The mechanical filter removes dirt and organic particles only. Run water over the surface of the filter material to remove particle buildup or replace the filter if needed.

    • 4

      Replace the chemical filter that is located next to the mechanical filter in the water pump. Chemical filters contain activated carbon, which rids the aquarium of many chemical particles such as ammonia.

    • 5

      Change your aquarium's water often. However, not all of the water should be removed. Remove 20 percent of the water from your aquarium and replace the water with clean water. Before changing the water, vacuum the substrate to remove tiny particles from the bottom of the aquarium.

    • 6

      Pour an algaecide into the aquarium if you suspect algae. Algae turns your aquarium water a green color. Light causes algae to bloom faster. Limit the light reaching your aquarium by turning the aquarium light off and closing blinds and curtains near the aquarium.

    • 7

      Pour aquarium clarifier into the water if you suspect tiny particles are related to tap water or organic matter. The clarifier clumps the tiny particles together so they are large enough to be removed by the filter.