nitrite levels

Question
I have recently set up a new 55 gallon freshwater heated aquarium.  Currently containing one large oscar(12") one small oscar(3")two convicts (about 6") a crayfish and as of now a few small feeder fish and goldfish.  We set the tank up about a month ago and none of the feeder fish or goldfish have been hasseled.  Recently our water went really cloudy and our current levels are going crazy.  Our nitrite levels are off the scale our alkalinity is high and everything else is fine.  Do you have any suggestions as to what i can do to fix the issue or is this something i just have to wait to fix itself?  thank you

Answer
Hello Eric,

This does not sound like it well fix itself. Because of the fact that oscars are VERY MESSY FISH this is what most likely caused the water quality to change so drasticly. Even though your fish tank is 55 gallons that is alot of fish for that tank. Alot of experts say you can only have one oscar in a 50 to 60 gallon tank but I have 2 in a 60 Gallon tank and they do alright. I would say to get a gravel filter and also two inboard filters to try and keep the water clean. It would be good to also get a canister filter but that is a very expensive choice however it could save your fishes lifes.

Thanks for your time,

Michael M.