Cycling Progress 29

[Paladinpress]

Just thought I would start a thread and give periodic parameter updates as the tank cycles.

29 gallon with 2 to 3 inches gravel and AquaClear 70 running UGF (this will change this weekend). Current stock is 16 Blood Fin Tetras from LFS and a few plants I got from BoxMart, I know . . .

At this point the tank has been running 2 weeks. The BFTs were added 3/7.

Parameters Pre-Water Change:

Ammonia = 0.50
NitrIte = 0.25
pH = 7.8

I did a 20% water change and retested:

Ammonia = 0.25
NitrIte = 0.0
pH = 7.2

Your comments are :welcome:

[jpappy789]

Do another water change as you need to keep ammonia and nitrite undetectable as much as possible. Any amount can harm fish.

What tests are you using?

[Paladinpress]

I just bought the API kit for FW from Boxmart. I did not test NitrAtes as I knew Ammonia and NitrIte are more important and the NA will be what they will. I will test for everything on the next round so I get a good baseline.

[jpappy789]

Ok, but I would do another small wc as soon as you can. Make sure you are testing frequently.

Any chance you can find some established media from a friend or LFS?

[Paladinpress]

Okay, will do another WC tomorrow. No, I am new to the area so have noone to grab some bacteria off of, would be nice for sure.

[jpappy789]

There seem to be quite a few NC ACers...maybe post in the classifieds that you are looking for some bacteria to jump start your cycle. Good way to get to know some local fish keepers too :)

[Paladinpress]

Great idea. I just posted for some Bacteria on classifieds. I hope I get some good ones :P. Yeah, NC is a great place to live, that's why we moved here. Also seems to be one of the few places still hiring with the economy the way it is, especially Raleigh-Durham Triangle area.

[Paladinpress]

Today, 3/13/2009.

Parameters Pre-Water Change:

Ammonia = 0.50
NitrIte = 0.0 to 0.125, was kinda in the middle of 0 to .25
NitrAte = 0 to 5
pH = 7.6

I did a 30% water change and retested:

Ammonia = 0.25
NitrIte = 0.0
NitrAte = 0
pH = 7.4

Now I'm going to have Pad Thai and a beer, you can tell me to do another WC when I get back :P

[jpappy789]

Haha, you're on the right track. Just remember to be patient for now. The worst thing one can do is add to the current stocking.

[Paladinpress]

Thanks Jpappy.

Yeah, after watching how voracious the BFTs are at feeding time, I realize I am pushing the limits of a fishy cycle in a 29. That being said here is an update on the progress.

I did a 50% water change and retested:

Ammonia = 0.0 to 0.25 (more yellow than green this time, really hard to tell)
NitrIte = 0.0
NitrAte = 0 to 5
pH = 7.2

I also just added a large Sword and Anubias to my planted area, so hopefully they help a little to pull ammonia out. My game plan now is to keep testing and do regular 50% WC until you guys say to stop. I actually was not prepared with WC equipment, so after a couple trips to BoxMart and PetsCart, I have a good siphon/vac and other WC goodies. The tank is right in front of a window, so I just start the siphon and hang the hose right outside (sorry downstairs neighbors). Then my "aged" water is right next to the tank and I dip right over. I plan to get a pump and a long hose, so I can pump from the sink to my WC buckets, then from the buckets up to the tank. No more hauling water around, omg my aching back :P

[jpappy789]

If you have nitrates things are pushing along. Your tank will be cycled for the stock you have once ammonia and nitrites are at 0 ppm for a week or so. At that point if you are adding to your stock, you can add slowly (this time ;)) and repeat the process of testing/changing water until all the ammonia is processed into nitrates again.

[Paladinpress]

Great advice thanks, Jpappy. It's definately time to start researching potential future stock additions. These will mostly be plants after I get my lights upgraded and CO2 going. A panda cory shoal and a Ram, preferably Bolivian, are possibilities on down the road after much more research.

[Paladinpress]

Here is an update on the progress as of 3/17 .

Pre-water change:

Ammonia = 0.25
NitrIte = 0.5

I did a 50% water change and retested:

Ammonia = 0.0
NitrIte = 0.25
NitrAte = N/T
pH = N/T