Aquarium Troubleshooting 101
Quick Fixes from Natural Environment Aquatix
At Natural Environment Aquatix, we know even the most experienced aquarists run into the occasional tank trouble. Whether you’ve got a freshwater planted setup or a bustling saltwater reef, things can go sideways fast—and fish aren't the best at asking for help.
Here’s a practical guide to common aquarium problems and how to troubleshoot them like a pro. Of course, if things get overwhelming, our team at NEA is always just a call or visit away.
Problem 1: Cloudy Water
What it means: Your tank may be going through a bacterial bloom, dealing with excess nutrients, or experiencing poor filtration.
Troubleshooting tips:
-
Check your filter—clogs or an overdue clean could be the culprit.
-
Reduce feeding. Uneaten food = nutrient overload.
-
Do a partial water change (25–30%) and vacuum the substrate.
-
Test your water. Ammonia or nitrite spikes? Time to take action.
Problem 2: Algae Overgrowth
What it means: Light imbalance or excess nutrients are feeding the algae party.
Troubleshooting tips:
-
Trim your lighting time down to 6–8 hours a day.
-
Introduce algae eaters (ask us which ones are right for your tank!).
-
Consider adding fast-growing plants to outcompete algae.
-
Test and reduce phosphates and nitrates.
Problem 3: Fish Acting Strange
What it means: Poor water quality, stress, illness, or aggression could be affecting your fish.
Troubleshooting tips:
-
Check water parameters first—ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH.
-
Look for signs of bullying or overcrowding.
-
Watch for white spots, frayed fins, or rapid breathing.
-
Quarantine new fish before adding them to your display tank.
Problem 4: Temperature Swings
What it means: Your heater might be malfunctioning or your tank is in a drafty area.
Troubleshooting tips:
-
Use a reliable, adjustable heater—and always use a thermometer.
-
Avoid placing the tank near windows or vents.
-
For sensitive species (like discus!), stable temps are crucial.
Problem 5: Poor Water Circulation
What it means: Stagnant water can lead to low oxygen levels and dead zones.
Troubleshooting tips:
-
Add a small powerhead or adjust your filter output for better flow.
-
Rearrange plants and décor to improve circulation.
-
Surface agitation helps with oxygen exchange—don’t skip it!
Bonus Tip: Always Test Before You Guess
A good water test kit is your best friend. Before throwing in treatments or chasing your tail, test your water! This can prevent unnecessary fixes (and stress).
Need Backup? NEA’s Got You.
Whether you need a water test, a second opinion, or a full tank refresh, Natural Environment Aquatix is here for you. We even offer maintenance contracts with perks like a lifetime guarantee on your fish—because healthy tanks are what we do best.
Got a tank that’s just not behaving? Stop by, give us a call, or bring in a water sample for a free test. Let’s get things back on track.