WHY the water becomes cloudy/ milky when beneficial bacteria/ probiotics are added to a fish tank already cycled:
Introduction:
Cloudy water is a common issue that fish tank owners face. It can occur due to various reasons such as overfeeding, poor filtration, and bacterial blooms. In this article, we will discuss the importance of beneficial bacteria in fish tanks, the reasons for cloudy water, and how to manage it effectively.
Importance of Beneficial Bacteria in Fish Tanks:
Beneficial bacteria, also known as probiotics, play a vital role in establishing the nitrogen cycle in fish tanks. These bacteria feed on nitrogenous wastes such as ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate, which are produced by leftover food, fish waste, and other organic matter. Without beneficial bacteria, the nitrogen cycle cannot be established, and fish and other aquatic life would struggle to survive. Moreover, these bacteria help in keeping the water clean and make the tank aesthetically beautiful.
Reasons for Cloudy Water:
Cloudy water in fish tanks can occur due to various reasons such as overfeeding, poor filtration, and bacterial blooms. If a tank has a good source of nitrogenous wastes, the beneficial bacteria could start populating too fast. This can lead to a bacterial bloom, which could cause the water to become cloudy. A fast cycle could also result in too many bacteria consuming oxygen from the tank water, increasing the Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and causing fish to suffocate due to a lack of oxygen.
How to Manage Cloudy Water in Fish Tanks:
OZPOLISH Bio-Cure variants are well-known artificial sources of beneficial bacteria and probiotics for aquariums, fish tanks, and ponds. Before dosing OZPOLISH Bio-Cure in a fish tank, it is essential to ensure that the tank’s nitrogenous wastes are not way too high. Ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate tests should be conducted to confirm this. The filters should be working correctly, and there should be enough turbulence on the water surface to maintain a good oxygen level. Fish should also not be overfed, and the number of fish in the tank should be within limits.
Hope everything has been already taken care of in your tank. But, by any chance, if the answer to this is no, it must be addressed before applying beneficial bacteria or probiotics to the tank. If all the points are followed and the tank still has cloudy water after dosing the bacteria, it is not a cause for concern as this is due to the bacterial bloom that is natural in a good aquarium. It will go away as the bacteria establish themselves and the tank cycles. It is still highly recommended to frequently do water changes until the water cloudiness is resolved, and do not overdose OZPOLISH Bio-Cure.
Conclusion:
Cloudy water in fish tanks is a common issue that can be managed effectively by following the guidelines mentioned above. It is important to establish the nitrogen cycle in a tank through beneficial bacteria, maintain a healthy level of nitrogenous wastes, and ensure that filters and oxygen levels are working correctly. With proper management, fish tanks can be kept clean and aesthetically beautiful for a long time.
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