If you have a shrimp-only tank that is getting a bit cloudy, then you can take a look at this guide from Aquarium Blueprints to see how you can clear it up.
1. For the first step, we suggest that you inspect your tank to see any decomposing plants, leftover food or even dead shrimps. All of these could cause a bacterial bloom as the beneficial bacteria population explodes to the point where it can become visible to the naked eye.
So, if you see any of the aforementioned decomposing organic matter, then you should remove them from your tank.
2. If your tank is still new, then a bacterial bloom could occur during the cycling process.
For the uninformed, you need to cycle a shrimp tank in order to get rid of toxic compounds such as ammonia, nitrites and nitrates.
Any organic waste created by your shrimps in the tank will eventually turn into ammonia, which is very toxic to your shrimps. Naturally occurring beneficial bacteria will then convert ammonia over to nitrites, which is another harmful compound. Finally, another beneficial bacteria species will turn nitrites into nitrates, which is much less toxic but can be harmful in the long run at high concentration.
A cloudy tank is quite normal if it is still going through the cycling process.
3. On its own, the cloudiness will most likely not harm your shrimps. However, it may indicate as issue with your water parameters, especially if your aquatic pet inverts seem to be dying off one by one.
If possible, you can try testing your tank water for ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. If you have more than 0 ppm of ammonia, 0 ppm of nitrites and/or 20 ppm of nitrates, then you have a water quality problem.
In this case, we recommend using a product such as Seachem Prime, which is capable of converting ammonia, nitrites and nitrates into non-toxic forms for up to 48 hours. We also recommend making small daily water changes, which will help clear up the water in addition to lowering the toxic compounds.
Seachem Prime also works as a water conditioner that will make your tap water suitable for shrimps. Therefore, you can add Prime daily to go along with your water changes until your water quality becomes optimal again.
4. If your tank water is still looking cloudy, then you can try adding some activated carbon to your filter. These media contain microscopic pores that will trap the smallest of particles from the water column. Thus, it should be helpful at getting rid of the cloudiness.
Keep in mind that the carbon will eventually get clogged up and would need to be replaced if you want to continue using the chemical filtration.
5. If you have a lot of uneaten food, then you can try reducing the portions you give to your shrimps as well. This will save you the trouble of removing the excess decomposing food in the future.
6. A product such as Seachem Clarity is also extremely helpful at making your shrimp tank look clear. To see how you can use it, you can follow these instructions.
