Murky water and mucky hydration

[chrisfoerst]

I am in the process of moving my two aquaponic units to an elementary school. I have been growing out my fish for about 6 months now and the system was running smoothly. However, in the move I had to break down the system and transport the hydration in small buckets. Is it normal that they are kind of slimy and covered with what look like a thin layer of brown sludge? Everything smells decent and I think the water is perfectly cycled.

Also, once I started the pump, the fish tank became so murky that I can't see through it. Is this alright. I imagine it will all settle to the bottom and I can syphon it out.

I was planning to move the fish today but I thought I would post these questions here and get some feedback first.

[badflash]

I'd say normal for the move, but you should filter out the particulate as fast as possible. Churning up the beds releases all sorts of stuff you didn't know was there.

[chrisfoerst]

Ok, many thanks for the reply. How would you suggest to filter the particulates out? Do you mean adding a store bought filter (one of those that hangs off the side of an aquarium) and running it for a few hours?

[dataman19]

I think badflash means to wash the gravel...
Something you probably should have done right after you moved it, while you still had it in buckets ( advise too late is not necessarily the best advice, but it's a learning experience).
..
Either way - if you move the system, you start the balance over (which means you start new)....
...
Dave
Phoenix, AZ