first, you can create your own threads by going to forums, then the category you want, then post at the top left corner...
to answer some of your questions, i would think with taking everything out and cleaning it, you have caused your tank to go through another cycle. Never take everything out and clean it. In a case like this, most people would recommend buying some sort of bacteria supplement to help hold the fish over while the tank actually cycles. Usually when the water starts getting a whitish colored cloud, its because it is not cycled. Mine do that every time i set up a new one. The filter has to build up bacteria to fight the ammonia and keep the fish healthy. If you dont want the fish to die, IMO you need to get some bacteria supplement from your lfs. Keep up the water changes as well, probably 30-50% every other day or so... maybe somebody else has another opinion, but this should get you through the cycle. To answer your question about filling the tank, i always fill mine and add the conditioner about halfway through the fillup. It shouldnt hurt the bacteria at all, and you probably dont have much, if any, in the tank now anyways. JMO though. Also keep in mind, next time you change filter cartridges, change them one at a time with at least a week in between. And dont worry about carbon, its useless unless youre medicating the tank or removing something from the water