How do poor people filter their water?

Problems with cloudy fish tank water?

• I set up a 20-gallon fish tank and the water is always cloudy. The first time I set it up, I waited 3 days to put the fish in. I also used filtered water. By the way, I only have 6 Gold Fish and a Betta. Two days after putting the fish in, the water got very cloudy. I let it go for a while but it never became clear. I decided to empty the fish tank and start all over again. I used filtered water again. After putting the fish back in, the water became cloudy again. I discovered that the filter was set up incorrectly. The control knob of the Intake Tube was closed. I had to turn it pointing to the wall. After that, I noticed that the water was filtering correctly. However, that did not fix the problem. I searched online for solutions and found "Curel" which is used to make the water clear. I bought it and it worked; however, after a few days, it went back to cloudy water. Some people tell me that I don't have to change the cartridge every 3-4 weeks. They tell me that I can just remove the cartridge, clean it, and put it back which is what I have been doing. Some people also tell me that I should not leave the light on and some people tell me that I should leave the light on all the time. They tell me to turn if off at night. I used to have a fish tank in Puerto Rico years ago and the water was never cloudy. Some people tell me that it could be the gravel or the accessories I have but I really don't think so. I have some plants and a a snail. I washed everything meticulously before setting up the fish tank. I love my fish but I am getting tired of seeing the tank with cloudy water. Some people tell me it could be the amount of food I am giving them but I don't give them that much. As soon as I put the food in, they eat it. My brother-in-law has a 55 gallon tank and he says that his water never gets cloudy. I really don't know what to do. Please help. Thank you.

• Answer:

  The cloudy water is a bacteria bloom. Your tank is cycling and the beneficial bacteria is free floating. Give it some time and it will clear up as the bacteria will cling to gravel, decorations and filter media. I would suggest doing a little research on the cycling process. Patience is key to fishkeeping. Good luck!