Cloudy Tank Making Me Crazy

Question
Hi.  We have a big, beautiful goldfish guy that we've had for about 2 years.  He started in a bowl, and then moved to a 5 gal tank.  Then about 6 weeks ago (approx.), I set up a 10-gal for him to give him more room.  I only waited about 24 hours before I put him in, and everything was fine and lovely for a while.  Then the tank started reaking of amonia.  So I had the water tested and was told it was at a dangerous level and to start changing out 50% every week until it went away.  Plus was told to use filter from old 5 gal tank (still was set up) to gain bacteria from it.  Well, after one week, the amonia problem cleared up.  But the water kept getting cloudy.  Had water re-tested after 2-3 weeks and was told amonia problem had been resolved, and gave me a water clarifier.  I've followed the directions and tried it several times, and it makes the water worse...very yellow.  I'm still changing it about 50% every week because the water always looks so awful and dark.  I change the filter every time (have a Whisper), and treat the water every time with Aquasafe, but the cloudiness always remains and then gets gradually worse. It makes brown marks on the sides of the tank. I'm very proud of the fact that I've kept this fish alive so long and don't want to lose him yet.  This fish business is new to me...I'm learning as I go.  The cloudiness is  making me crazy.  The fish eventually starts to get red marks in his tail and fins, which I'm guessing means he doesn't have enough oxygen. ?  That's when I panic and clean the tank and it seems to go away.  (This starts to happen frequently now)
FYI...The filter from the old 5-gal seems to be the same size and the one that came with the 10-gal.  I could be wrong.  The filter we're using in the 10-gal has the mesh insert.  The filter that CAME with the 10-gal did not have that.  But I was told that would be beneficial to my sick tank.  Might I need a larger filter?  Do I just need to keep changing water every week until it goes away?  Why doesn't the clafifier work?  The fish is about 5 inches long.  

Answer
Hi Chris;

One simple thing may get this thing under control again.....quit changing the filter so often. Every time you change the filter pad it removes the beneficial bacteria that keeps the water clear. The most you should do is gently rinse it out in a container of aquarium water once in awhile. Filter pads should only be replaced when they can't be rinsed enough to let water flow anymore or they are literally falling apart. I have some that I have used for years. The companies that make them and the stores that sell them want you to replace them quite often, because it's how they make most of their money: Repeat business from "consumables" like filter catridges and other filter media.

If the filter is getting plugged up every week, you are overfeeding him. One goldfish should not make that much waste. Cut back by at least one-third, and you will notice a big difference in how much waste he makes. Feed him once a day, whatever it takes to eat from all areas of the tank in five minutes. If you prefer to feed twice a day, make sure you feed no more than he can consume in less than 3 minutes. Feed him veggies in place of 3 meals every week too. Goldfish need more fiber in their diet than commercially prepared food offers. They are quite prone to constipation because of too rich a diet. I give mine cooked green beans, cucumber slices, cooked peeled peas, cooked squash slices or chunks, and romaine lettuce. I actually only feed my goldfish regular food about once a week. They are natural born gluttons and easily overeat. The fiber from the veggies fills them up without plugging them up, yet they are quite satisfied. Goldfish are constantly searching for food because they are "grazers" in their natural environment eating algae and plant material. Their healthiest diet consists of a lot of fiber for that reason.  

The brown you see is just algae. It is a low-light algae that is common in newly set up tanks. Just wipe it off before you make your weekly water change. It is not harmful at all. Just looks yucky.

The red streaks could be irritation from excess toxins like ammonia and nitrite. Your tank is barely through the break-in so it isn't surprising he developed that. There is a very serious infection that causes red streaks too though; Septicemia. It is an infection of the blood vessels and can kill fish very easily. As long as the redness goes away when you change water it isn't Septicemia. If it ever returns and causes him to be lethargic, he needs an antibiotic like "Maracyn 2" immediately.

Followups welcome.....

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins