HELP: Cloudy water

[jtpassat]

I've had my tank going for about 5 years now and never had this situation before. All the chemistry seems to be within range using a quick dip test, nitrates/rites/ph/alkalinity. My salinity seems low 1.2.

Here is a picture. You can see particles flowing throughout the tank and I'm not sure if this is an algae bloom, bacteria or what.

Equipment

50gal
Emperor 400
Protein skimmer
CF light 60Wx2

 

[DeepSeaBeauti]

Looks like a diaton bloom. How old are your bulbs in your light, Is the tank close to a sunny window?

My best advise, Shut the lights off for about 3 days. clean your filters, and make sure the skimmer is running up to par. It will clear up with no manual effort in your part. May have to clean the glass though.

 

[jtpassat]

The bulbs are about 6 months old 50/50 10k. The bulb is across from a window but doesn't get direct sunlight. I'll turn off the lights for 3 days and see what happens

I did a 10gal water change about a week ago. should I do another?

 

[DeepSeaBeauti]

Those bulbs are probley close to needing to be changed there probably getting a little week. check out this article http://kb.marinedepot.com/article.aspx?id=10857
The diatoms are not realy harmfull just more unsightly. leave the lights off and keep an eye on the skimmer. Everyone will be just fine with lights off for a few days. The normal ocean has cloudy days too.....

 

[jtpassat]

thanks for the advice, turned off the lights for a week and replaced the bulbs. and here is the result. What else can I do to really make the water crystal clear?

 

[andrewh998]

Heard Carbon and Purigen help I have some just haven't gotten around to adding it yet friend did it and his water is crystal clear.