My 37g tank has been up and running with 4 rather large goldfish for cycling for a week now. During this week I've done one 50% water change (long story) 5 days ago, and a small 10-15% change two days ago, there was some stuff i needed to vaccum out of the gravel.
As of right now, Ammonia levels are < 0.08 ppm, Nitrites are present, but barely detectable, and Nitrates are at 0. Water is clear and I'm using a Fluval 204 for filtration. Water temp is at 73F, no heater.
Am I right to believe that I might still be at the first stage of the cycle and that my Nitrites should be going up in the next few days? I wish I tested the water before, but I just got some new kits today.
I was expecting to cycle a bit quicker, I stressed the heck out of those fishes during two days with the whole move last weekend. Although in good shape physically (fins are upright, color is nice), I notice they flee when I approach the tank and they often act nervous. If the cycle takes a couple more weeks I might lose a couple of them. I'm hoping not, even though they'd be going back to the LFS after the cycle is completed. Does the cycle accelerate once ammonia is starting to get converted to nitrites?
As of right now, Ammonia levels are < 0.08 ppm, Nitrites are present, but barely detectable, and Nitrates are at 0. Water is clear and I'm using a Fluval 204 for filtration. Water temp is at 73F, no heater.
Am I right to believe that I might still be at the first stage of the cycle and that my Nitrites should be going up in the next few days? I wish I tested the water before, but I just got some new kits today.
I was expecting to cycle a bit quicker, I stressed the heck out of those fishes during two days with the whole move last weekend. Although in good shape physically (fins are upright, color is nice), I notice they flee when I approach the tank and they often act nervous. If the cycle takes a couple more weeks I might lose a couple of them. I'm hoping not, even though they'd be going back to the LFS after the cycle is completed. Does the cycle accelerate once ammonia is starting to get converted to nitrites?
