Loaches Online Forum

I have a recently-set-up 50 gal sewellia tank. Lights are on for 12h and I recycle in rocks which have algae growth. This is to make algae grow as food for the sewellia. However, it also seems to turn my water hazy, a sort of hazy grey or greenish.

How do I make the water clear while still having algae-covered rocks?

Thanks.

I suppose you could install a UV sterilizer to kill the free floating algae.

Is there no other way?

Do all the hillstream tanks have to have an UV filter?

I don't have a UV but mine has two canister filters and it is clear. The only time it gets hazy is when I do a water change. Can't remember if it was hazy in the beginning but it just might be the new tank.

I have also two canister filters now so it's pretty much overfiltered.

It's a new tank. Upon closer inspection, the water isn't green, but rather cloudy with greyish milkl colour.

I read that it might be due to a bacterial bloom, common in new tanks.

I'll wait and see.

It sounds as if your problems with tank clarity are caused by it being a new tank instead of an algae bloom. Regardless, a UV is not a requirement, just a suggestion. In this case, you might want to dose the tank with some starter bacteria and let it mature.
Its always better to introduce hillstreams to an established tank since they can be sensitive to the water quality issues of a new tank.
Good luck!!

Jim Powers wrote:It sounds as if your problems with tank clarity are caused by it being a new tank instead of an algae bloom. Regardless, a UV is not a requirement, just a suggestion. In this case, you might want to dose the tank with some starter bacteria and let it mature.
Its always better to introduce hillstreams to an established tank since they can be sensitive to the water quality issues of a new tank.
Good luck!!

i lost a few hillstreams to young immature tanks. i would def go with a bacteria starter, to protect your investment.

jw what is your substrate?