Smoke on the water

[Witchlight]

This is probably nothing and a real newbie question but I want to make sure.
The water in my tank is kinda smokey. Not dirty or coloured just kinda smokey.
The wife describes it as a white cloud but I think it looks more like smoke.
Its always there even after a water change and it doesn't settle.
What could it be?

[blainep]

Do you mean in the water, like a little cloudiness in the water, or on the surface of the water.

If it's on the surface, it's probably what's know as a protein slick. In a freshwater tank, an airstone will probably look after it.

If it's in the water, it can either be a bacterial bloom or dust in the water. If it caused by dust, there are a few additives that will look after it. Personally, I prefer SeaChem products for this.

If it's bacterial, then something is out of balance in your aquarium. Often a bacterial haze will clear up on it's own, it may take a few months. There are products that can help clear up a bacterial bloom.
If the tank is planted, you may need to look at using ( or stopping the use ) of some fertilizers.

The only other things I can think of - Is the tank cycled ? Has something happened to cause a 'mini' cycle ?
IE - have you added any fish, had a fish die or disappear ?

I've got a nasty virus right now so thoughts are kind of shooting out, hope this helps a little. Lots of good, experienced people here, they can probably shed more light on this !

[Soggybottom]

What Blaine said, and also sometimes a greenwater (algae) outbreak looks white if it is only minor. Maybe you could fill a shiny white bucket with tank water and see if theres any colour to it.
Is the tank recently set up? My biggest tank went through several phases of different algae while it settled in, one of which was a greenwater stage which got pretty thick and then faded to a thin white haze for weeks.

[Melody]

Oh great, now the song is going through my head...lol.

Bacterial bloom - a common part of the cycle. You're in week three, yes? It won't hurt your fish and will clear on its own. However, it is best to keep the food to a minimum while the tank balances itself out. That's the cause of the bloom - the bacteria levels are at odds with the waste levels.

Never worry about newbie questions - it gives us a reason to yap about fish ;)

[Witchlight]

OK thanks for the answers. From what I was reading I thought it could be that.
Sry Melody but I couldn't help the song reference it was too easy.