Tank water not clear yet

[ross182]

I just set up a new salt tank and followed all my research (about 2 years worth) in setting up. I have a 55 gallon tank that I mixed reef crystals for my saltwater and agronite for my base and I let it run for 24 hours with the filter on and a power head but the water is still murky white. How long does it take to clear? And how long before I can add fish? My gravity is 1.020. I have 10 years of freshwater tank experience but this is new. I have a magnum 350 canister filter and have no live rock in the tank yet. Any suggestions?
Ross

 

[salty cheese]

What did you use to start the cycle?

 

[ross182]

What do you mean exactly?

 

[salty cheese]

Welcome to the board.

Read this.

 

[ross182]

Ok thanks for the link. I checked it out but it still didnt quite answer my questions. I now know that I need to start my cycle which I am doing. Is this a normal condition 24-48 hours after mixing my salt? My tank is cloudy white. Will it clear up and should I add live rock at this point or wait unitl it clears?

 

[jcarroll]

I'm new at this too, but my tank is about mid way through its cycle and was also cloudy for the first few days. It's just everything settling. It will clear up, just continue letting it cycle.

 

[ross182]

So do you have live rock in there? If you do when did you add it and what did you use to start your cycle?How about fish? Do you have any in there as well?

 

[jcarroll]

I have one live rock and the rest is dead rock. My lfs sold me 8 damsels to start the cycle, which I've been told is way too many, but it's working out really well. After listening to other people's advice, I would recommend using a peeled raw cocktail shrimp to run the cycle. You just drop it in there and let it do its thing. I test my water with my kit about every other day and after three weeks, my numbers are dropping so I know it's getting there.

 

[ross182]

what kind of kit do you have? Thanks by the way for all your advice. I have kept freshwater aquariums for years with lots of success so this is frustrating for me. I want it to go well which I sure it will but its hard not knowing what to do. So you added your fish and rock while it was still murky?

 

[jcarroll]

Actually, now that I think about it, I didn't add them for a few days, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't. Hopefully someone will respond to that one besides me.
My test kit is a Tetratest kit, but I hear Salifert is a good one

 

[ross182]

how many powerheads do you have and what size are they? My tank is a 55 too. Hope you dont mind all these questions.

 

[jcarroll]

I have a pro clear 125 g wet/dry filter that creates enough current I don't need a pump. I got it on the auction site for $155. Great investment I think

 

[ross182]

thats a great buy! Are you on here alot? I would like to keep in touch about the status of my aquarium with you if you dont mind. You seem to be about 3 weeks ahead of me so it would be good to know how you are doing and what you did to fix things or stuff like that. Would you mind?

 

[jcarroll]

I don't mind, just remember that I'm totally new too. I usually have threads on the new hobbyists room, so feel free to ask anything and I'll try to answer correctly