Why Is My Fish Tank Cloudy?

After starting a new aquarium, it is not uncommon for the aquarium to become cloudy. This is due to beneficial, nitrogen converting bacteria colonizing to oxidize ammonia and nitrites. ... These bacteria break down fish waste, decaying plant debris, and unconsumed food into ammonia.

How do I fix a cloudy fish tank?

Since algae requires photosynthesis to make food, some people recommend doing a large water change, turning off the aquarium light, wrapping a blanket around the tank for 7 to 10 days, and then doing another large water change afterwards to take out the dead algae.

Is cloudy water bad for fish?

Water changes clear the water temporarily, but in a day or two the cloudiness reappears, often even worse than before. ... Left alone, the cloudy water bacteria will eventually consume all the nutrients in the water and die out.