THE CYCLE/CLOUDY WATER

Question
Dear Stephanie,
My 130 gal. tank is going through it's (near) final stages of the nitrogen cycle, as the nitrite is starting to come down.  My question is:
Is it "normal" for the aquarium water to be kinda cloudy?  I have three filters running constantly and have a pouch of Matrix Carbon in each one.  I've made several small (30%) water changes, but nothing seems to help.  I am very famaliar with the "Cycle" and how it works!  To help speed-up the cycle, I used a lot of bacteria, like, used filter floss, siphoned water from the substrate, from my other tank, which is 7 years old.  I hate to make any more water changes, as the bacteria is not yet fully established.  After the tests indicate all nitrite as zero (0), will my water start to clear-up?
Thanks for reading my letter!
Dave M.  

Answer
Hello,

The water will likely begin clearing up as the cycle completes, however it is possible that by adding your other tank's water there is too much bad bacteria now that is causing this cloudy water. You could syphon the gravel a bit to help this, or since you have three filters stir it up a little at a time. Some of the gunk will go into the water and the filters will clear it up. Once all the gunk has been cleared, stir up another little section of gravel.

You can also wait it out, because once more good bacteria are established the bad bacteria numbers should decrease.

I hope this helps.

Regards,
Stephanie