Solutions for Cloudy Goldfish Tanks

Among aquarium enthusiasts, goldfish are considered a "dirty" fish. They grow quickly and thus produce more waste than other fish. Add to this the fact that they don't have a stomach, which means anything they eat is eliminated in a short period. Waste automatically leads to dirty and thus cloudy water. The standard 10-gallon tank that most goldfish are deposited in as their first home can quickly become too small of a space.

  1. Frequent Water Changes

    • Fish need fresh water to swim in. The typical standalone countertop goldfish bowl has no outlet or filtration system, so you'll have to regularly change the water. Pour out approximately 20 percent of the water twice a week, ensuring not to let any fish escape in this process. Using bottled drinking water provides a cleaner aquatic environment as compared to tap water.

    Do Not Overfeed

    • Nitrates from fish poop are the most obvious culprit to blame when fish bowl or aquarium water gets cloudy or murky. The more your fish are eating, the more they are eliminating. Most fish owners are guilty of overfeeding their fish. Simply cut back on the flakes, and you'll find your water will stay clearer longer.

    Reduce Light Time

    • Most aquarium owners leave the lights on far too long each day. Extended light exposure leads to increased algae bloom, which significantly adds to a cloudy appearance. By using a timer, leaving aquarium lights on for no more than six to eight hours per day is easier.

    What the Colors Mean

    • Cloudy water can appear different colors. If green is the dominant color, your tank has too much algae. Overfeeding and or too much light exposure are the causes. If the water has a white tint to it, bacterial growth is most likely to blame, which occurs most frequently when adding new decorations to the tank.

    Test the Water

    • Most pet store or aquarium stores offer free water testing, which can more accurately pinpoint the source of the cloudy water. Before resorting to chemical additives, run some tests on the water to identify biological causes and solutions. In most cases, the individual running the test for you at the store has an interest in fish keeping and can offer experiential advice.