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My fish tank is cloudy with high nitrates after meds. Will UV help?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Fish | Gold Fish

I have recently used medication in my 50 gal freshwater fish tank with one 22 year old comet goldfish in it . the meds cured my fish but must have killed my beneficial Bacteria as now my established tank has been going through another nitrogen cycle. It's been four weeks now the ammonia us back to zero so is nitrite zero BUT my nitrates are now spiked about 80 and the water is cloudy. Did 2 partial water changes over the last 8 days. Will a UV sterilizer help ?? Please advise. Thanks Lina

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Todd Cecil

Veterinarian

Published on September 6th, 2019

Thanks for reaching out about Fishy. A UV sterilizer will only help if a bacterial component is adding to the cloudiness. More intense water changes are the best way to remove nitrates. Monitor feeding to limit excess, vacuum bottom of tank to remove degrading detritus. Good luck.

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