Hi, just about 1 month ago, I purchased a used 35 gallon tank with natural gravel. After about a week or tw, my water started getting cloudy and my nitrite/nitrate level started to rise. Also when I would do H2O changes, my alkalinty would be through the roof (royal blue on the test strip)! So I would put PhDown in ONLY when it was that high after a water change. I have even done a complete water change and it is still bad. Today:
1) It is so cloudy, I can't see the back.
2) My nitrite is in the danger zone and my nitrate is in the unsafe zone.
3) Oddly enough, my water is now acidic (Lime green on strip).
4) I would do weekly 25-50% water changes.
5) I use Amquel and Novaqua, Cycle (bacteria starter) and Ammo-lock.
6) I have 4 3-4" goldfish and 7 snails (1 died) and 2 bamboo shrimp.
What is going on??????!!! I thought maybe is is a nitrogen cycle but I have used gravel and decor. AND my Ph is VERY unstable and low! PLEASE HELP!!!!!
