Cycling 55 gallon

Ami

Hi,
I got bacteria bloom in my 55 gallon tank that I set up last Sunday. The bloom happened on Tuesday and the water is still turbid. I used gravel from another tank and also put in gunk from my 20 gallon Aqueon hang-over-back power filter. I also threw in a raw shrimp for good measure. Any idea if the water should be clear by now? Also, how often should I do water changes (if at all)? I haven't put in any fish yet. Plants are
1 Java moss
1 Anubias
1 Cryptocoryne wendtii
1 C. usteriana
5 aponogenton rhizomes that just sprouted.
The tger lily and onion seem to be taking their own sweet time to sprout.

Suggestions, instructions etc. would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Ami

Byron

This is common in new setups. If it is a true bacterial bloom, water changes will worsen it. The biology needs to settle out naturally, which means stable water conditions. Changing the water is mixing this up again, hence the increased cloudiness. I would wait it out.

Ami

Thanks Byron ! I'll wait 7-10 days and keep you posted.

Ami

Just wanted to let you know that the water was crystal clear since Wednesday. I've added 5 zebra danios since and they are happy.

deman3

Congratulations on your new setup. Glad it is now going well.