How to keep tank water crystal clear?

[Binditheaxolotl]

My tank water pretty clear, it’s easy to see the back and such. I over filtrate, with a aquaclear 20 and a sponge filter for 55 gallons. I use Seachem purigen in my aquaclear. My parameters are perfect, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, and 10 nitrate. I use prime as my water conditioner. I keep all my filters clean, I just cleaned my sponge filter 2 days ago, and my aquaclear maybe 3 weeks ago. I have a 20GL tank that houses one axolotl, and might house some white clouds and shrimp in the near future. I have Carib sea extra fine sand as my substrate. Any idea what it is that’s making my water kind of cloudy? It’s still super clear I just feel like it could be clearer

 

[Murk]

Hmmm, I think that will be difficult to tell.
"Kind of cloudy"? Would it be visible on a picture?

Could be bacteria. Could also be the "extra fine sand", depending on how fine "extra fine" is.
Are you sure it's the water, and not just the glass of the tank?

 

[michael]

It could be from the sand. Purigen is good for removing and trapping organics. Sintered glass biomedia and or sponge might be better than the Purigen for establishing beneficial bacteria. Don't clean the sponge filter to often. Be sure it is rinsed in aquarium water or dechlorinated tap water. Try backing off on your food a little if possible. It sounds like the tank just is not balanced. If it doesn't clear up in a month thing about getting rid of the sand.

 

[BrickCorvidae]

I second the use of Purigen. I alway keep one on hand for when the tank is looking less than clear.

 

[Calgarycoppers]

I use sera crystal clear they are a specific filter floss that polishes the water and I love it - can rinse and reuse.

 

[EasternRomioi3]

That sounds super odd. My girl's tank was only cloudy when I added her new sand and it lasted only a day. All I use is a sponge filter, up to 75 gallon use strength. What do you have in your tank? Like, besides axolotl, like do you have plants, fake or real, drift wood, etc.