Hi guy's,
All my water parameters are perfect, BUT I have noticed lately, that even though the water is sparkling when I change it, 1 or2 days later the newly changed water will appear chalky almost like its cycling, and then the next day it will be perfectly spotless and clean again and will stay clean till I change it again, after which it will repeat the process.
This has happend several times now, any ideas why it happens?
even when the water gets cloudy, the parameters remain spot on.
thanks for any help.

cloudiness is normally the effect of new water; bacteria bloom; or
the water conditioner. considering that you've been here for quite long,
i assume that "spot on water" or "perfect water" really means pristine water.

i just wanna suggest you test the water after water change to eliminate
the chance of ammonia and nitrite spike after w/c. there are times bacteria
were being affected after water change especially if you do not have water
conditioner.

PAUL wrote:

Hi Paul,
you are correct, when I described the water as 'spot on' or 'perfect' I did mean pristine, it was just a case of slipping back and using my local 'lingo'.
As for testing the water after the water change, I do, and the parameters are all perfect, I was just curious as to why the water goes from being absolutely clear just before the change, to chalky a day or two later, and then pristine again approx 24hrs later?
Thanks for the reply.

Are you disturbing the substrate when refilling the tank after a water change. Try refilling into a bowl to reduce any substrate disturbance!

Or are the fish moving quickly and disturbing the substrate.

Do you clean the gravel regularly

I have just got my little tank in the kitchen all working fine, the cycling is coming along great and the water was looking fantastic. Ammonia 0. Nitrites. 0 Nitrates about 10. Then a flash of inspiration...... lol 'Ill just give it a little water change'
Big mistake.... lol
The next day the Nitrites went up to the middle of the card..... DAM !!!!
I was told that I gave my BB's a set back because They were'nt established enough and they have been like that for the last three days. Still sitting at 1.0 ..... Mmmmmmmh..

Only time Eh?... lol