I did a one month water change on my 10 gallon tank today and the water came out this very gross orange color. The only fish in the tank is my betta and I did a filter change last week (offset to not disturb the whole tank at once). I ended up doing about a 40% water change and my plan is to let the new water settle in a bit and do another 25% in two weeks because its still pretty yellow/orange. I hadn't previously noticed the color difference. Is there a reason why its this color and is there something else I should be doing for my tank? Another water change is the only thing I can think to do.
Posted by dragonflameloserX7
8 Comments
Wait…once a month water change?! Should be weekly
Do you have any pieces of drift wood in the tank? That release tannins, which is harmless. Actually beta like the tannins, so that’s a plus.
Most likely tannins, do you have wood. Leaf litter such as Indian almond leaves. Soil.
Tannins are good. Embrace a bit of color. It’s not ‘dirty’. It’s natural. And beneficial.
Filter change is setting off all kinds of alarm bells in my head.
What do you mean by this? Did you change whole filters and keep the media? Or did you change out the filter media (sponge etc)?
If you changed the filter media, that is quite concerning because you probably just crashed your cycle. If this is the case expect to see ammonia and nitrite spikes!
The brown water is tannins and they are beneficial for your fish! Makes them feel safer and also is beneficial for immune systems 🐌
Looks like tannins to me. If you dont have driftwood or leaves, I’d be concerned. Otherwise you’re good.
Can we get a tank shot please
Your tank is still settling. I would just change a gallon a week if you need to but agree we would like to see your tank to give some better advice.
And we recommend squeezing out your filter media but not replacing it completely unless it has to be replaced.