I have a 75 gallon planted tank and it is cycling. I have several
pieces of bogwood in the tank and they do cause a yellow tinge to the
water. I have also developed cloudy water in the tank and I can't tell
if it is an algae bloom due to cycling or I may feed too much and it
could be white cloudiness I am seeing. It is hard to tell when the
water is yellow tinged. When I do a water change, I see a white cloudy
tinge to the water so I think I am overfeeding and have cut back to
feeding 1 every 2 days.

Anyway since I started this about 2 days ago, I saw that it appeared the
tank was clearing up. I shut down lighting for about 2 hrs. during
midday to retard any algae growth. When the lights come back on 2 hrs.
later, I see that the water has really clouded up again while the lights
were off. This happens when the lights are OFF! After they are on for
awhile, it clears up somewhat again but is still pretty cloudy. Anyone
have an answer to that one?

Also when I put in the bogwood, (2 pieces), it created a cave underneath
for my clown loaches and whatever else wants to hide under them. There
is probably a lot of waste buildup under the bogwood also because when I
do my water changes, I can't get underneath to clean out. My tank is
pretty well planted in the back also so that when I remove the wood, I
have a heck of a time putting the wood back inside. Is this a problem?
I try to clean up as much waste as I can with my Python water changer.
I took off the big end and just use the hose as I can get to more of the
waste this way and it increases the suction pressure with the smaller
opening of the hose.

Any advice would be appreciated. My ammonia tonight is 0; my nitrites
are 0; and my nitrates are 5. It appears the tank cycled! That is why
it is trying to clear up then. Would I be on the right track here?

Dan