What is cycling in the fish tank? When I do a 20% of water I was told just to add

desertcactus

New member
salt to the water? I got a new filter Tetra 20-30 for my 20 gallon, its strong current, my water was cloudy and still is even after the change. Nothing helps
5 months set up, 20 gallon,6 fish, 2 snails, 1 ghost shrimp. 5 baby mollies
 
http://www.fishlore.com/NitrogenCycle.htm

And always use a water conditioner and salt is optional. There is a lot more info out there, but the thing that stinks is it could take a couple months to properly cycle your tank. Keep monitoring your levels and be extremely careful putting fish in. Don't do water changes while cycling either, just let it happen and do a water change just before adding fish. Good luck!
 
we need way more info...

how long have you had the tank?
do you have fish? if so what kind, how many, and when did you add them?

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your tank really shouldn't still be cycling... what kind of fish are the "6 fish"?

did you wash off the filter or do a large water change before the tank became cloudy? it's probably a bacteria boom, and getting a new filter definitely won't help that. if it's a bacteria booms, it will go away you just have to wait it out.
 
If the tank has been set up for 5 months, than it has been cycled, cycle is the first 2 week process of building good bacteria and eliminating toxins, etc.

You would find (if tested) that your levels of nitrates, ammonia, etc is not at an optimal rate.
I could not really tell you what though, however, it sounds as though that they may all be out?..
Do not over clean the tank or filter, keep in mind that in nature their is algae, etc, that plays a key role in the enviroment!

Do you have any "Active Carbon, Ammonia Remover, Bio Noodles, etc"? That could be an issue?..
ALWAYS RINSE FILTER MEDIUM IN SYPHONED TANK WATER.

Try something like "Aquarium Life Liquid (advanced GEO-Liquid formula)". Top product, been using it on my tanks for a very long time.
I have a 55 Gal (all natural) cichlid/plant setup with bottom feeders and some community fish. Have not yet had any problems, i too have different kinds of algae growth in places that i have encouraged.
Hope this helps, good luck.
 
we need way more info...

how long have you had the tank?
do you have fish? if so what kind, how many, and when did you add them?

-----

your tank really shouldn't still be cycling... what kind of fish are the "6 fish"?

did you wash off the filter or do a large water change before the tank became cloudy? it's probably a bacteria boom, and getting a new filter definitely won't help that. if it's a bacteria booms, it will go away you just have to wait it out.
 
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