water cloudy in new tank what to do
 

I tested the ammonia levels in my tank with no fish. Just substrates it looks to be almost .25. So I did a water change now the water is still cloudy. But my question is why would this be is it the substrate. Or my cats who one of them I suspect either drank the water or stuck there paw in it.

first thing u need to do is get a hood (top) so that doesnt happen any more and if its a newtank u want to cycle it and not vacum the substrate

what are u other readings and i dont know why u have cloudy water it could be a few things one is bactiera bloom

How much food did you use to start cycling? Can you still see the food and is it moldy?

Food? I didnt know I was suppose to put food in the tank. Should I be?

are u doing a fishless cycle

Yep I plan to plant some plants when the levels are right. Then fish after.

ok what are u doing to start the cycle

There are different ways to start a tank...

...if you did nothing at all other than add water and run a filter...your tank would like cycle on its own in about 6 weeks...

...you can speed up this process in various ways...

...plants can be added immediately, you don't need to wait for the tank to cycle...they will in fact, often help speed up the process since old leaves will begin to decay...

Cloudy water most often indicates a bacteria bloom...again, if you leave the tank running long enough, it will correct itself...

and if u live in the us u can get something called cycle or bio spira.
Bio spira will cycle ur tank in 24 hours and u can fully stock ur tank

Thanks thats all I needed to know. I added a powerhead filter to so that should help allot.