How to Get Rid of Yellow Water in an Aquarium

One problem that often occurs with aquarium fish tanks is that the water turns yellow. This is due to several factors, including the presence of too many tannins in the water, the frequency of the water changes, the amount of fish and plants inside the tank and the kind of filtration system used. You can effortlessly address these problems to prevent the water from yellowing. Continue to address the yellow water in the same method if it happens again in the future.

Things You'll Need

  • Activated carbon filters
  • Large siphon
  • Hose
  • Large bucket
  • Distilled water
  • Water-conditioning tablets
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the current filter from your filtration system and replace it with an activated carbon filter. This will clear much of the yellowing from the water. Replace the carbon filters every month for best results.

    • 2

      Inspect any large rocks, shells, driftwood or other decorative items in the tank. Sometimes the tannins released from these decorative objects turn the water yellow. Soak non-plastic decorative items in boiling water for two hours and plastic objects in clean, clear water for two weeks. Replace them inside the tank when clean.

    • 3

      Remove 25 to 50 percent of the water from the tank using a siphon and hose. Drain the water from the tank into a large bucket, or a nearby sink.

    • 4

      Replace the aquarium water with distilled water. Tap water may contain chemicals that will not only harm the fish, but may also yellow the water.

    • 5

      Drop some water-conditioning tablets inside the tank to condition the water and make it safe for the fish. Follow the recommended guidelines for conditioning tablets based on the brand of tablet and size of the tank.

    • 6

      Replace 25 percent of the water every week until the water remains clear.