Lozgod,
Your cloudiness could be from a bacterial bloom. It is a common occurrance in new tanks. The bacteria explode to a level beyond what the tank can naturally carry, turning the water cloudy for a while. Then they die back and the water gets clear again. Water changes actually prolong the problem, as the population just keeps on a-growin'. If your nitrogen levels are under control, I'd let it sit for a week. It'll clear on its own, whether it's bacterial or just suspended clays.
It is definitely debris. When I clean out the sponges when I do my water changes mud comes out (not literally but brown/black dirt).
Making a few temporary changes until I got a crystal clear tank and an established nitrogen cycle.
1. Removed powerhead. Want the debris in the tank to settle.
2. Added another small HOB filter. Placed powerhead sponge in it as well as a zeolite bag (see #3)
3. I have been doing large daily water changes because of the cloudiness and ammonia readings. Done with the water changes for at least a week. I am convinced that is what is halting my nitrogen cycle. Added a bag of zeolite in both HOB filters to make sure it doesn't go through the roof but they are rated for 20 gallon tanks so it should leave enough to feed the plants and to get a cycle running. Trying to find a happy medium between the health of the fish, plants, and bacteria.
4. New HOB filter has a bio-wheel. Really didn't want to go there but am at my wits end with this cycling so I sold out.
5. I am done with the obsession with testing the ammonia levels everyday. Going to stop testing ammonia and starting to test for nitrites and nitrates either EOD or E3D. I've been getting ammonia readings since day one and nothing else. I think my good intentions have been causing the problems. Giving it a break and letting nature take its course. The only reason I am breaking out the ammonia test kit is if I see signs of stress in any of the fish. Tested it tonight and got a reading of 1.0 ppm. That was with no water change. That is the lowest it has been pre-water change so it is dropping.
6. Dosed again with the bottle nitro bacterias. Had no luck with this stuff so far but there is a chance I was removing it as I added it due to water changes.
Edited by lozgod, 10 October 2009 - 12:55 AM.