How to Clean Cloudy Water in a Salt Water Aquarium

Cloudy water in your salt water fish tank can obstruct not only the vision of your fish, but your vision of a beautiful tank. Keeping your aquarium clean and well-maintained is necessary for its aesthetic appeal and, more importantly, for the health of your fish. The Fish Tank Guide explains that some cloudiness in your aquarium is normal when you first introduce fish and tank decorations; however, this should clear up relatively quickly with your filtration system. There are ways to keep your saltwater aquarium well-maintained and clean to avoid unpleasant cloudy water.

Things You'll Need

  • Saltwater aquarium filter
  • Bucket
  • Hose
  • Sponge
  • Glass cleaner
  • Gravel vacuum or siphon
  • Algae scraper
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Instructions

    • 1

      Using your siphon or vacuum, move the gravel around your aquarium to loosen up the debris. Allow the debris to just start to settle on the rocks and gravel.

    • 2

      Vacuum or siphon the debris and let it drain from the siphon into a bucket by attaching a small hose to the siphon, or attach the siphon to your filtration system.

    • 3

      Remove the large decorations or rock structures from your aquarium and clean them off with water and a sponge to remove dirt and algae.

    • 4

      Clean the inside of the aquarium glass with an algae scraper and use glass cleaner to wipe the outside of the glass and the lid.

    • 5

      Use a siphon and hose to drain about 10 percent of your aquarium water into a bucket to be disposed of. Refill the aquarium with the appropriate amount of saltwater to replenish it.

    • 6

      Clean your aquarium filter. Saltwater-fish.org recommends cleaning your filter about fifteen days after you clean the gravel and tank to maintain a healthy balance of the beneficial bacteria you stirred up, which your fish need.