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Why is my cichlid's 30-gallon tank cloudy after a water change?
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Fish | Cichlid | Male
My blood parrot cichlid's tank is extremely cloudy. Whenever I clean his tank I usually put in some water clarifier and conditioner in, and normally this works just fine and the water is clear. However, I recently just got a 30-gallon tank. When adding the solutions again I adjusted all the measurements so that it would suit the tank. Instead of clearing up it just stayed the same. I checked all the levels of the tank, pH, etc. I don't know what to do
1 Answer
Most Helpful Answer
Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on January 10th, 2019
This can be due to micro bubbles from the filter. This will typically resolve in a few days. If the filter outflow creates a large amount of turbulence, try decreasing the flow rate.
Another cause can be a bacterial bloom. This is a common occurrence after a water change and is caused by elevated ammonia levels or large amounts of organic matter in the tank. Either can feed bacteria and promote overgrowth.
Check the filter media and rinse it, with tank water not tap water, if necessary. Check the water chemistry using a home test kit or by submitting a water sample for testing. The local Petco may do this for free or for a small fee. Ammonia levels, ideally, should be 0 ppm. Perform a partial water change if necessary. Use only conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. Condition the water before pouring it into the tank. Remove any dead or dying plants, limit lighting, monitor water temp and don't overfeed. This will decrease the chance of a bloom occurring due to excess organic matter.
Luckily, bacterial blooms are not harmful to fish. They can be frustrating, but they do clear up eventually.
Another cause can be a bacterial bloom. This is a common occurrence after a water change and is caused by elevated ammonia levels or large amounts of organic matter in the tank. Either can feed bacteria and promote overgrowth.
Check the filter media and rinse it, with tank water not tap water, if necessary. Check the water chemistry using a home test kit or by submitting a water sample for testing. The local Petco may do this for free or for a small fee. Ammonia levels, ideally, should be 0 ppm. Perform a partial water change if necessary. Use only conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. Condition the water before pouring it into the tank. Remove any dead or dying plants, limit lighting, monitor water temp and don't overfeed. This will decrease the chance of a bloom occurring due to excess organic matter.
Luckily, bacterial blooms are not harmful to fish. They can be frustrating, but they do clear up eventually.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful