Habitat - Indoor :: HELP! New tank and having issues!

[vtbruiser]

Hi all-

We got 2 small RES' in December (Dot 3 and Leaf Dinosaur) and have been really struggling ever since to keep the tank water clean. I understand cloudiness as bio elements find their balance, but within days, the tank goes from clean but cloudy to green or brownish. I started with a horrible filter, and then got the Finnex PX 360 small canister filter. (have a 20 gal long tank) I had ceramic bio media, the sponge on the bottom and put in a purigen packet in there too but to no avail. Then I added carbon and zeolite in a bag to the filter as well. didn't help. Then I read somewhere on this site to try the 'optional' set up- so I did with just filter floss and carbon. Did that for the last two days and the water is just almost brown! Help! My poor guys- I worry about them getting sick. I did a total tank clean/change one week ago, and had to do a 25% water change after 4 days bc it was getting so bad.

I am going to start feeding them in a separate tank, and had been using tap water with the conditioner, any ideas or recommendations would really be appreciated! The folks at the pet store are not very helpful.

Thanks

[steve]

Most likely the tank is too small and there's not enough water. How many gallons is it?

[vtbruiser]

It is a 20 gallon long tank- and it is about just under 1/2 filled (they can poke their heads above the water if on their tippy toes)

[steve]

That tank would be considered too small but more water will help. I also think the filter is a underpowered as small canisters are not really effective for turtles.