Cloudy water?

[slicksta]

When setting up a new tank, I've noticed that this always occurs and I am not sure of the reason. Typically about 1 week after filling and getting the filter running and some fish to cycle the tank the water clouds. It is a milky color, but there is nothing suspended that is visible to the eye. It has no affect on the fish in the tank, but I have seen it get quite thick sometimes. This typically last about 7-10 days, then usually clears up over night. I would guess that this is due to a bacteria bloom as the tank begins it's cycle......but I would love an actual explanation.
Lucy....you got some spainin' to do....

[Ardan]

You are right, 8)
It is a bacterial explosion as the nitrogen cycle tries to get established. The bacteria aren't growing in sufficient numbers on the filter media to eat the wastes out of the water, so they multiply in the water.

hth

[slicksta]

you are a ray of sunshine....thanks big A..... :sun:

john

[Ardan]

LOL

Anyway, thanks for making me smile!