fluorite in new aquarium

Question
I'm setting up a new/replacement acquarium, and I'm much more interested in a planted aquarium this time around.  I purchased fluorite red (not super-fine), and made the mistake of believing the instructions which said "rinsing is not necessary"...needless to say that although my tank has since cleared, everytime I touch anything in there (i.e. plant something), it becomes cloudy and takes hours to clear.  Will this settle, or do I have to empty and clean the gravel.  I only set it up last week, and I am cycling.  Thanks in advance for your time. Lois

Answer
Hi Lois,
Planted tanks is the new step to aquariums.  I am glad you are making that choice.  Not only it looks better than fake plants but it reduces the toxins in the water.  Plants are great at sucking up ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate from the water.  

Flourite is one of the substrates that need to be rinsed although it says no rinsing.  If it is not too much of a hassel, it is better to remove it and rinse it.  Flourite should be rinsed 20 times in a bucket or until the cloudiness is no more.  Eco-Complete is another great substrate that does not need rinsing if you are looking to get more substrate.  It can be mixed with no problems.  It has better reviews than flourite and is cheaper or the same price as flourite.  Petco has a Halloween sale with free shipping with orders $25 or more. Eco-Complete is only $15.99 online whereas flourite is $19.99.  

Since cycling takes a month or longer, I would suggest rinsing it.  
-Matt-