Trouble Shooting Water Quality Issues
Note: Most water quality problems are caused by introducing too many inhabitants at one time or over feeding.
Add inhabitants 1-2 at a time and feed only what can be consumed within 2 minutes.
Below are some common problems that can arise with some helpful tips to assist you:
Problem
Possible cause
This can typically occur during initial set up as a result of
Cloudy tank
the biological balance.
This often results during initial set up or at other times when
Lethargic fish
the water quality is poor. When there are high levels of ammo-
nia and nitrites, the fish tend to instinctively stay closer to the
bottom and conserve their energy by moving less. It is hard for
them to breathe in poor water conditions.
When there are high levels of ammonia, nitrites and nitrates, in
Smelly water
addition to cloudy water, a foul smell can result.
Green water is caused by the growth of algae. Algae requires
Green water
light and nutrients to grow. In order to curtail its growth, prevent
exposure to natural day light by keeping the aquarium away from
windows. If the situation does not remedy itself within 3 weeks, it
is possible that the green water is occurring for another reason.
Water level is too low.
Filter cube is making noise
IMPELLER IS JAMMED
Filter media needs cleaning/replacing.
Noticeable reduced
flow rate
IMPELLER IS JAMMED
Suggested Solutions
This can typically occur during initial set up as a result of the biological
balance trying to establish itself in the aquarium or as a result of overfeeding.
- Perform a partial water change (up to 25% of the water).
- For new aquariums, add in a dose of Nutrafin Aqua Plus Tap Water
Conditioner and a dose of Nutrafin Cycle Biological Aquarium Supplement.
- For established aquariums use Nutrafin Bio-Clear or Clear Fast to rapidly
clear the aquarium water
- Reduce your feedings to once every two days until you see positive results.
- If this does not work, test your water with a home testing kit or by bringing
a sample of the aquarium water, as well as a sample of the tap water to
your local pet store.
- Perform a partial water change up to 25% of the water and add in a dose
of Nutrafin Aqua Plus Tap Water Conditioner with a dose of Nutrafin Cycle
Biological Aquarium Supplement.
- Reduce your feedings to once every two days until you see positive results.
- If this does not work, test your water test your water with a home testing
kit or by bringing a sample of the aquarium water, as well as a sample of
the tap water to your local pet store.
- Perform a partial water change up to 25% of the water and add in a dose
of Nutrafin Aqua Plus Tap Water Conditioner with a dose of Nutrafin Cycle
Biological Aquarium Supplement.
- Reduce your feedings to once every two days until you see positive results.
- If this does not work, test your water test your water with a home testing kit
or by bringing a sample of the aquarium water, as well as a sample of the
tap water to your local pet store.
- Prevent exposure to natural day light
- Perform a 25% water change every 4 days
- Cut back on feeding and use high quality Nutrafin Max fish food
If you are not sure why you are having a problem with your aquarium, bring
a sample of the aquarium water, as well as a sample of the tap water to your
pet store so that they can test it to determine the cause and guide you to an
appropriate course of action.
Thereafter, you can obtain your own Nutrafin Test Kits to test the water at
your own convenience.
Fill water to the maximum water level, as indicated on the filter rim adaptor.
CHECK AND CLEAN IMPELLER
Verify filter/foam pads. Clean or replace if necessary. To ensure constant presence
of beneficial bacteria, do not replace all filtration media at the same time.
CHECK AND CLEAN IMPELLER
EN