cloudy tank few days after setup

Question
QUESTION: Hi,
I just started a saltwater aquarium at home. I'm a beginner and i bought a 12gal eclipse aquarium from Marineland. I set it up with everything said, added gravel, decoration (all plastic) and started to run the filtering system and heater 24h a day. Little by little, the water is turning cloudy and smells a little. pH and salinity are tested OK. There is no fish in this tank yet... We are now 5 days after setup.
I need help to figure out what to do.

ANSWER: Hi Elric: Part of the cycling process includes a cloudy tank... it is usally the bacteria reproducing and that is a good thing.  It can also be caused by the sand trying to settle into the tank.  What kind of gravel did you add?  What color is the tank????   dave

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thanks for your answer. The gravel is pretty
thick, not sandy at all, was probably more
adapted for freshwater tanks. The color of the
water is kind of cloudy white. The smell when
you are just over the tank is getting less strong
but water is not getting less cloudy. I assume
it's too early to put closnfish in this tank? Or
could it help establish the cycle?
I can send you a picture of the tank if you want
Also, the water gets pretty warm during the
day (around 82) as it's still hot in california
these days. Could that be a factor?
Thx

Answer
Well the cloudy white is the bacteria reproducing which is a great sign... yes it is unsightly but it means that the tank is responding to the cycling process and that is really good news.  The smell will go away almost completely in a few more days as will the cloudy water... Put some fish food in the tank every morning when the cloudy water is mostly gone take a sample of water to the local fish store and have them test it for you.  If the water chemistry is good... then you can add fish... I would not put fish in yet.... the tank may still be too toxic for them.  What part of California are you in?  82 is ok temperature wise for the tank.  Do you have a heater in your tank??? if so what is it set at????   dave