cloudy water and odor

Question
I got a 10 inch red belly_6 inch iridesecent_5 inch jack dempsey_6 inch placo(algea eater) in a 4 foot long 1 foot wide 55 gallon tank with 1 30-60 gallon eazy change filter # 3 from walmart and 1 10-40 gallon eazy change filter and I have hade my fish for 8-9 months now and never ran into this problem. My water is cloudy not green but a white cloud and smells like a skunk and my fish refuse to eat. The one thing I did different was put some aqua safe nitroban stuff in my tank that said you didn't have to change your water for 6 months. Please help me what should I do before my fish die.

Answer
Hi LaRoy,
The easiest and best solution to your problem is to do a large (50-75%) water change ASAP!

I would continue doing daily water changes until conditions improve, which may take a while so be patient---it is vital for your fish to have their water changed.

You have quite some polluters in your aquarium so even more to the importance of large (50-75%) water changes and gravel vacuuming with a large aquarium siphon. Always make sure replacement water is equal in temp to your tank and make sure the water is treated with a good water conditioner like Start-right, Stresscoat, Amquel....


The nitroban chemical is not reliable as you have seen. It's best to never rely on chemicals alone to keep your fish healthy. There's nothing better you can do for them than to change their water.

I hope all goes well and your fish remain healthy!
Karen~