Sometimes you experience a white haze in your aquarium. But what causes this? And better yet, how do you get rid of it? In this article, I'll explain why you get a white haze in your aquarium and how to get rid of it.
A white cast usually occurs after a major water change. This is because there are too few bacteria in the water, causing them to "shine." It can also be caused by high protein levels in the water, for example, due to a dead fish, too much food, or poor filtration.
How does a white haze form in the aquarium?
A white haze in your aquarium can be frustrating, especially if you've just redecorated your aquarium and the water is cloudy, making it difficult to see properly. To prevent a white haze, you first need to determine the cause, as it can be due to several factors:
- Filtration: Insufficient filtration can lead to the accumulation of particles in the water.
- Overfeeding or the wrong food: This causes an excess of protein. If fish are fed more than they can consume, a lot of food remains in the water, which in turn leads to bacterial blooms.
- High nitrates/phosphates: These nutrients can also play a major role in causing a white cast.
- Too much water change: Immediately after a large water change there is often an imbalance in the bacteria, which can lead to cloudy water.
- Bacterial culture is dead : Probably due to a malfunctioning filter or power outage, the white dirty glow is caused by the death of the bacteria in the filter and aquarium.
Besides these common causes, there are other factors that can contribute to the formation of a white haze. Think of improper lighting or a poorly controlled oxygen balance in your aquarium.
Insufficient aeration can prevent organic matter from decomposing properly, leading to buildup and increased bacterial growth. Furthermore, the presence of algae, caused by an uncontrolled supply of light or nutrients, can also be a source of turbidity.
So it is essential to keep an eye on multiple causes to keep your aquarium clear and healthy.
What can you do about a white haze in the aquarium?
The most important thing is to address the cause of the white haze. Without addressing the root cause, the problem will return. Here's a 10-step plan you can follow to discover where the problem lies:
- Have you recently changed a lot of water? Then do nothing and make sure your filter is running smoothly.
- Did a fish die or is there something rotting? Remove it from the aquarium. If you haven't recently changed the water, do a 20-30% water change.
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Check your filter: Is it running smoothly? Make sure there are no blockages and ensure good flow, overcapacity is important!
- Test your water parameters: Check for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and phosphate. This can help you assess water quality. You can do this with handy test strips, and I explain them in the blog article: " How to use aquarium test strips "
- Adjust your feeding: Don't overfeed your fish. Only give them what they can eat within a few minutes, and remove any leftovers if necessary.
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Do you have enough plants in your aquarium? Plants help improve water quality and promote your aquarium's nitrogen cycle.
View our aquarium plants here . - Check the lighting: Make sure your aquarium gets enough suitable light for the plants to filter the water naturally.
- Avoid overstocking: Too many fish can lead to excess waste and an imbalance in the aquarium. If your aquarium is normally overcrowded with fish, you'll need to adjust the filtration to keep the water clear.
- Check oxygen levels: Make sure your aquarium has sufficient aeration to support the bacteria. This isn't so much about actually adding an air stone, but rather about increasing surface flow. This helps break down proteins, just like a protein skimmer does in marine aquariums.
- Consider adding a UV-C filter: This can help combat bacteria and algae that contribute to a white cast. It also helps prevent green algae growth. Want to learn more about UV-C filters?
By carefully following these steps, you'll gain a better understanding of the problem and how to fix it. If you have any questions or need additional help, don't hesitate to send me a message via WhatsApp !
How do you improve filtration to prevent a white haze?
Good filtration is crucial for preventing a white haze in your aquarium. It's important to ensure good flow in your filter system. When using a lot of filter media, it's possible for it to clog, especially with very fine media. This isn't a problem in itself, as long as you don't completely overfill the filter with media that clogs quickly. If this happens, the water will flow past the filter wadding instead of through it, negatively impacting filtration.
To maintain your filter's flow and improve filtration, consider the following tips:
- White filter wool and ceramic media: These help filter larger particles from the water, while ceramic media contributes to biological filtration.
- Coarse filter media: Use coarse filter media to ensure the water flows faster, which helps maintain the flow rate. Note: this also creates a different form of filtration; supplementing with fine cotton is necessary!
- Activated carbon or HS Algae Clean from HS Aqua: These are great options because they absorb nutrients and contribute to a cleaner aquarium.
Make sure your filter is properly constructed and maintained regularly. A properly functioning filter creates a stable environment for bacteria to thrive. This not only prevents white residue but also helps keep the water clear and healthy.
Conclusion
Combating a white cast in your aquarium can sometimes be a challenge, but with the right approach, you can often resolve the problem. Make sure you look not only at the symptoms but also at the causes. Keep an eye on your filtration system, your nutrition, and the water quality. With a little attention and care, you'll soon be enjoying a beautifully clear aquarium again! Any questions? Feel free to send me a message! 📲
