How to Solve an Aquarium’s Water Quality Issues

Before you can resolve problems with the water quality of your aquarium, you need to detect them. By taking a good look at your aquarium on a daily basis for certain visible signs, you can discover changes in the quality of the water that need to be addressed. Water quality issues can also easily be found through regular testing. Focus on the early visual cues for these issues so they don’t cause more serious or persistent problems in the future. The staff at Aquatic Warehouse, a trusted aquarium supplier, wants to share some common clues that signal something is wrong with the water quality of your aquarium and steps you can take to troubleshoot those problems.

Unbalanced pH

One of the biggest things that influences the water quality is its pH level—the amount of acidity or alkalinity in the water, which always changes over time. You’ll need to keep the pH at a balanced level, as a rise in the pH increases the toxicity of the chemicals in the water (including hydrogen sulfide and cyanides), and can harm or even kill your fish.

Cloudy Water

Cloudy water can be triggered by rising levels of ammonia. Bacteria that feed on ammonia reproduce quickly and create visible images like swirling white clouds (known as a bacterial “bloom”). Overpopulation, insufficient filtration, overfeeding, and overcleaning are other typical causes. An air pump with air stones boosts oxygen levels and removes toxic gasses from the water, and the extra oxygen aids nitrifying bacteria in more efficiently processing the ammonia. In addition, bacterial additives revive “good” bacteria that has been diminished and convert ammonia to nitrite.

Red or Rust-Colored Water

Such discoloration may result from mineral-rich source water containing iron or silicate or from high oxygen levels that invite such pollutants into the water. Use chemical filter media to remove minerals such as iron and silicate and water-softening chemical media such as peat to stabilize pH levels. Furthermore, a water purification system like a reverse osmosis unit offers a reliable, long-term solution.

Fish Struggling to Breathe in New Water

Municipalities typically add chemicals like chlorine or chloramine to tap water, which can make it extremely difficult for the fish to breathe properly, and it will usually either cause mortalities or stress your fish toward diseases. Chloramine and chlorine can also kill the “good” bacteria and cause various water quality problems like rising ammonia levels. A chloramine remover will get rid of the chlorine and chloramine while making it easier and safer for your fish to breathe. A reverse osmosis unit can eradicate almost 100 percent of contaminants, including nitrate, phosphate, and heavy metals.

Rising Ammonia Levels

Nitrifying bacteria drives the nitrogen cycle and breaks down ammonia. A spike in the level of ammonia commonly happens when fish are overfed or there are too many fish to enable a sufficient bacteria colony to become established. Bacterial additives replenish “good” bacteria. Also, be careful not to overclean. Instead, clean in stages so you can maintain the right amount of helpful bacteria. Never use unchlorinated water to clean your filters. It’s always safest to use the discarded water from your water change. It looks dirty, but it’s not as dirty as your filters.

Green Water

Green water is often the result of an algae bloom resulting from excess light, heat, insufficient filtration, or surplus nutrients from a secondary source. Remove the light source temporarily and do a water change until the issue is alleviated. A UV sterilizer can fix the problem within 24 hours. If all else fails, use algaecides to get results. Also, maintain nutrient levels by making routine water changes. Activated carbon or chemical resin removes unwanted organic compounds. Perform regular filter maintenance to remove trapped organic debris. You should also consider using purified water and limiting the amount of time the lights are kept on each day.

At Aquatic Warehouse, we carry everything you need to maintain a healthy aquarium. From aquarium monitors and controllers to heaters and lighting, you can find the high-quality supplies you’re looking for by checking out our website or stopping by our store in Kearny Mesa. If you have any questions, call one of our aquarium experts today at 858-467-9297.