constant cloudy fish tank

Question
QUESTION: Hello,  I bought a 30gal fish tank about 2 months ago and change about 1/2 the tank at least once a week and I always get yellow cloudy water. This is not my first time with a 30gal tank and did not have any problems with the first one I had.  I moved to a new apartment and thought maybe having the fish tank by the window was causing it, so I changed the tank, added some clear water solutions and kept the blinds closed.  I still have yellow water and dont know what to do.  I am getting frustrated with this.  I do have 3 water pumps also thinking that the pumps would help and they dont.  I just now changed the water again (about 10 minutes ago) and the tank is still cloudy. this is my 2nd time cleaning the tank in less than a week.  What do i do?  Also, gets very warm in my aprtment, could this affect the tank?  just frustrated!!!!

ANSWER: Hi Saguna,
Do you have any driftwood in your tank? If so that is releasing tannins into the water which discolors it yellow to amber. The top main reasons water becomes yellow is tannins from dissolved orangics (fish waste, debris) driftwood and even fish urine. It shouldn't be a continuous problem unless driftwood in the tank is the reason. But if that turns out to be the culprit, there's no need to be concern because the tannins are not harmful.

Otherwise you probably don't want to hear this but water changes are the best solution for any water quality problem. Daily 30-50% is best. You can also keep carbon in your filter which will remove discolorations from the water and even odors, but many people all too often use carbon as a quick fix for a underlying problem and in turn they are only treating the symptoms and not getting rid of the cause.

Make sure you gravel vacuum as well at every water change. Removing any built up filth in the gravel really helps.

Be patient, I know how frustrating this can be! But water changes are the miracle cure for water quality problems and I'm sure your tank will be clear and fine again soon!

Best of luck!
Karen~

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the answer.  i do no have any driftwood.  i did have a carbon filter at one time but it didnt work either. that was why i now have 3 water filters, 2 of them are underwater gravel pumps, i thought that that would work but still having the same problem.  i dont want to get aonther carbon filter pump because with past experience with them, they are a pain in the butt to clean and as i said it didnt work either.  please let me know

Answer
Hi,
I'd remove your undergravel filters, they can harbor lots of decaying organic matter which can leech out discolorations.

Maybe you just need a better filter. I've had the best luck using hang on the back type power filters which clean the filter and are very easy to maintain. Involving only a cartridge you rinse in a bucket of tank water at every water change and replace every month or whenever it becomes worn out.

Definitely try removing the undergravel filters, they cause more trouble than than they are worth.

Best of luck, have a good weekend!
Karen~