cloudy new tank

[Dogsby]

Set up a 10 gal saturday afternoon. put in like 5 gallons of water from a cycled tank, then the rest fresh water. Now this morning the water is all white cloudy. I put a pinch of fish food in yesterday. Algae already? No fish in the tank. (unless I sucked up a baby guppy) Dont have time today to test the water, so I will have to do it tonight.
Any clues?

Shawn

 

[amishfignewton]

cloudy water is a common sign of a tank cycling, no?

 

[RedTurquoise]

You are correct! It is a sign of a tank cycling! To kick start the cycle, use established media or some gravel/decor from an existing tank! Just using water does not really impact bacteria count much as bacteria cultures/grows on surfaces in your tank like your filter, gravel, decor, etc!

 

[AmazonTankz]

The reason why the water is cloudy,(I think ) is because of a bacteria bloom right???

 

[Dogsby]

I thought it was a sign of cycling too, but in 1 day? I didnt put anything but the water in the tank. no filter media, gravel...nothing. But I did add a homemade decoration. Piece of pvc pipe with little river rocks rtv'd (aquarium safe silicon) to it. The rocks are the same type I use in other tanks, so its not coming from them. they were also well washed/rinsed. The silicon cured for at least 4 days, so its not that.
Im going to test the water soon, got to rest from work first

Shawn

 

[AmazonTankz]

hmm, that does sound. . . . fishy(sorry for the pun)
I have had that heppen to me in one day before but I can't explain it.

 

[RedTurquoise]

I like your avator Amazon! What a great looking woman! Sorry, I couldnt resist!

Back to fish! It depends on your tank and many parameters as to why cloudy so soon. Not uncommon but water tests would help!

 

[GDH]

Originally posted by Dogsby
Now this morning the water is all white cloudy. I put a pinch of fish food in yesterday.

If youre starting to get a bacterial bloom, the food would be the cause.

 

[Gomer]

How long can blooms last for before the water goes clear?

 

[RedTurquoise]

Depends on amount of ammonia/nitrites and how quickly the bacteria can colonize to consume ammonia/nitrites! 1 day to a week perhaps!

 

[sinasster]

There is not much you can do right now, avoid any chemicals you can think of. (except perhaps bio-spira) and just be patient. That is the #1 key to sucess in fish keeping..... patience