crystal clear? How do you do it?

So i've seen plenty of saltwater aquariums. Some are crystal clear, some are cloudy. How do you get the crystal clear water? Is it the lighting, the type of water, the skimmer?

 

Filter.

 

Mostly, it's running carbon. Carbon is the only thing that pulls out yellowing substances from the water.

 

IMO, it's not difficult. Cloudy water is a sign of some underlying issue. It could be a bacterial bloom, algae bloom, imbalance of elements etc. The key is to start with RO/DI water. If you use tap water, you will generally see particles in the water plus get a bunch of other unwanted compounds and elements. Then use a good salt mix. Make sure to mix it for a while, I like to do it over night. Clean your tank and filters, do not overfeed and you should have crystal clear water. And of course run carbon.

 

you can also run a filter sock for particulate matter from time to time. +1 to carbon.

 

+1 on above... yellow matter is called gebelstoff (sp?) and carbon pulls it out.
But if you are having just like a hazy not crystal color water then it is likely from bacteria. the best way to fix that one is to run a beefy skimmer

 

Skimmer and carbon.

 

Would agree with everyone above and add that micron pads are also effective at POLISHING (not cleaning) the water. I use a 100 / 50 micron pad combo and carbon. Cant even tell there is water in the tank until you see a fish float by.

 

...and that makes such a beautiful picture...

I run a bit of Ozone as well as what has been mentioned above...helps keep bacteria under control...

 

You guys are all right and the proper balance of foods and liquid supplements will help. Also, not overcrowding your tank is beneficial.
I once learned a good trick from Tangster which enables you to determine just how crystal clear your aquarium water actually is. Take a pure white sheet of paper and attach it to one side of your tank. then looking through the other side of your tank, if the sheet of paper portrays any color but white, then you have too many dissolved organics(Gelbstoff), nutrients, algae bloom or possibly sperm and eggs being released into your water.
Efficient, weekly water changes, effective carbon regimine-use of ALL forms of filtration( mechanical, chemical and biological).
This is a start in the right direction...