I have a 55 gallon aquarium with a 3 inch oscar and a few live plants, my water is yellow brown whenever i maintanence my aquarium. I have a casacde 1000 canister filter 265 gph i do 25 % water changes twice a week. Is it from algae thats changing color or am i still under filtered? Thanks

What is the nitrate concentration in the tank? Tap?
What are you feeding?

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It's because you're a redskins fan. The water is actually becoming bitter, and resentful. Quick actions must be taken. What are your levels, and what kind of light are you using?

Hey, I'm a Redskins fan and my water isn't bitter and resentful! Lol :D

You say your water is brown. Is it visibly brown in the tank? Is it slightly brown when viewed through glass (like when you test parameters)? Or does it turn brown when you test for ammonia, etc? Also, just how brown is it? Does it look like mud, fresh strong tea, or watered-down weak tea? More information please!

I'll take a stab in the dark here, though. Do you possibly have a piece of driftwood or some peat in your tank or filter? If you don't, ignore this next paragraph. If you do, these items could be releasing tannins, which cause the water to take a brown-stained hue. This is not a problem in and of itself - many fish actually prefer this tinted water, especially ones coming from rivers in South America where these water conditions are 100% natural. The tannic acid released from driftwood or peat will slightly reduce the pH of your water, but again this is a natural water condition for many South American fish species. It should cause no harm to your fish, and over time it will dissipate. It is sort of like tea - the first time you use a tea bag it is very strong, but if you re-use your tea then it becomes weaker each time until it no longer really has any effect on the water you put it in. The same principle applies to peat and driftwood.

It's just in denial puppylove, very sad.

its not visible looking at it through the tank only when i clean it out it has a yellow brown color too it, no driftwood or anything, pretty sure all my levels are fine. nitrates usually are 0 or pretty close too it and for the lights i have two 15 watt aqueon colormax bulbs

Hmm, if your levels are good, and the tank is clear I'm guessing as you gravel vac, some of the dirt is mixing up in with the water? Do you see alot of sediment comming through the gravel vac as it's doing it's thing?

I don't think you have a problem. If I let my water out into a white bucket, there is a slight discolored look to it. Maybe not yellow or brown, but not crystal clear either. I change 75% every week. If all your fish are healthy, readings are good and it is not green from an algae bloom, I wouldn't worry about it.

Yeah theres stuff coming up,through the gravel cleaner and i use a white bucket