cloudy water and no fish

Question
QUESTION: I have a 25 gallon tank that's been running for a few days without fish in it. It was fine until i put the gravel and a few fake plants in.  All of the sudden, the water is a lot cloudier.  Is this a bacteria bloom?  Is it becasue of the new gravel?  Should I be worried?  

Thanks,
Hardy

ANSWER: I wouldnt be worried but it is prob because of the gravel having some residue in it. Also, it could be the decor having dust or powter on it. I would make sure everything is clean and do a large water change about 75-80% and start over. Dont add fish until it is fixed. Let me know if you need more help.

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QUESTION: Thank you for your answer.  However, how do i make sure the other stuff is clean?  thanks, hardy
ANSWER: Not a big deal really, just pull out each item and run it under water, just items like rocks or driftwood. You dont have to do this with fake plants. Just do a overall cleaning. Let me know if you need more help.

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QUESTION: Just wanted to say thanx so much for your help with that.  It worked amazingly well.  Sorry, but one more question: I put some rocks from my backyard into a bucket with bleach and water in it.  I soaked it overnight, then this morning, i took out the rocks and soaked them for a while in dechlorinated water.  They still smell like bleach though.  The guy at a local pet store told me to do that and I want to know if u think that was okay.  I don't want to damage the water or anything, u know.

thanks, Hardy

Answer
To be honest, I would not have recommended using bleach as it can get stuck in little areas and must be completely washed to get all of it out. If you dont get all of it out, you risk causeing a serious problem with the tank. I would recommend boiling them if you plan on still using them. You must make sure you get all the bleach out. Since you have soaked them in water it helped get most of it out but boiling them will definately get everything out. Glad to hear all has worked out so far. Let me know if you need more help. No worries about asking even more questions, the whole point of me being here is to help.