Water Cloudy

Question
I have two ten gallon freshwater aquariums.  One I have had for several months and the water quality is crystal clear now and all of the levels are balanced.  Now in my second aquarium I have ran into to high nitrite levels as I did with the other one.  I did lose a few fish and then transfered the others to the established tank.  I am starting the process over again because doing the water changes was not bringing down the nitrite levels.  However, what I have noticed in regards to the cloudiness of this tank is that the cloudiness is thick.  I can see semi transparent particles floating about.  I also am getting a large white creamy slime build up in the filter as well as all other accesories (rocks. plants, heater)  Is this harmful bacteria or is this good bacteria?  I need advice of what to do to improve quality.

Answer
Hi Stacie;

That sounds really extreme. When nitrites have stayed high and the bacteria needs such seriously thick colonies, there is just too much waste in the system. I rarely recommend doing it but I would drain the tank, rinse everything out and start over. The bacteria shouldn't have to fight that hard to get it started. It is either from overfeeding or too many fish to get it through the break-in safely. We all do it from time to time. What will help get the tank re-start is to add a decoration or a cup of gravel from the established tank. These items have beneficial bacteria on them already so it will "jump start" the new system. You have to put a fish in though or the bacteria will die. There is also a method known as "fishless cycling". Ammonia in the form of fish food or liquid suds-free/fragrance-free ammonia has to be added to feed the bacteria. Here is a link to info about it;

http://www.aquahobby.com/articles/e_fishless.php

When you put fish in it again, don't put more fish than equals about an inch, or no more than 1.5 inches. Add no more fish for 6 weeks, or until the ammonia and nitrite have both gone up and then gone down again (and stays there). Here is a link to my article on new tanks that explains the process in more detail and how to get your starter fish through it;

http://www.xanga.com/Expert_Fish_Help

I hope all goes well....

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins