How to Make My Fish Tank Clear

Fish tank cloudiness can be the result of several different problems, including algae bloom, which is cured by using chemicals, or a lack of proper water changes. Cloudy water is also inherent when setting up a new aquarium and usually clears on its own within a few days. If your aquarium water is cloudy, there are a few simple steps you can take to remedy the problem.

Things You'll Need

  • Bucket
  • Siphoning hose
  • Chemical algicide
  • Algae scrubber
  • Chemical water clarifier
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Instructions

    • 1

      Change 20 percent of the aquarium's water by siphoning from the fish tank into a bucket. Replace the water with fresh water. This process must be completed once per month, regardless of whether the water is cloudy or not. This will prevent the buildup of ammonia and other chemicals in the water. Regular water changes can help prevent most cases of aquarium cloudiness.

    • 2

      Determine the cause of the cloudiness of the water. If there are dead plants in the tank, remove them. Change the aquarium's carbon filter, then allow three to five days for the tank cloudiness to clear on its own. If the tank does not clear, the problem is likely an algae infestation. Aquariums that have been newly set up will typically be cloudy for three to five days after the tank has been filled owing to the particles of substrate that float. The carbon filter will remove these particles, clarifying the water.

    • 3

      Measure the proper amount of algicide chemical, available at pet stores, according to the size of your fish tank. Small tanks less than 10 gallons use very small amounts of algicide, so use the chemical sparingly and precisely according to the package directions. Two days following treatment by the algicide, clean the inside surface glass of the tank using an aquarium algae scrubber.

    • 4

      Measure the correct amount of aquarium water clarifier into the aquarium according to the size of your aquarium. The water clarifier will bind the dead algae together, making it easier for the aquarium carbon filter to pick up the algae.