cloudy tank

Question
I upgraded to a 60 gal tank (from a 20 gal) as we have baby turtles and fish.
The new tank was beautifully clear from Friday evening until Sunday morning.  I (foolishly) listened to someone who told me sand would be necessary with the rocks as I have a couple loaches.

Once I put the (rinsed) aquarium sand in the tank, it clouded up and has been cloudy since.
I changed the filters (they were filthy after just 4 days in the new tank), and I still have cloudy water.

Does sand do that?  How do I get a clear tank again?  

I never had this happen before (and never had sand before), so am wondering what can be done to get it back to clear.

Thanks for any help you can give me.

Kerry

Answer
Kerry,
If the tank was not cycled, the cloudy water is normal. A tank has to go to the 6 week cycle process before any fish goes in. Make sure the filter is for filtering sand. I have never used sand before but it should not be the reason the water is cloudy. Make sure you are testing the water everyday for ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates. You will have to do daily water changes, until the tank has cycled. Never do more than a 50% water change in one day. Let me know if the tank has been cycled, and I can try and figure out what's going on.