Cycling question

B

Baldrick

AC Members
Aug 28, 2006
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I'm into the 10th day of cycling a new 20 gal. tank. I'm using two Tiger Barbs and everything seems to be doing okay. I just wanted to make sure the ammonia and nitrite levels I'm seeing are in line.

Over the last two days the ammonia levels have doubled to almost 2ppm. The nitrite level is at about .25ppm.

Is there a point that I should consider a water change? I've seen it said by many that you shouldn't change water during a cycle. Then again, some say to do one.

Thanks.
 
I would consider changing water now.. ammonia is 2?

you need to get that down to .25 max.

changing water during a cycle isn't bad when you consider the alternative..killing or causing permanent damage to your fish.
the bacteria will cling to surfaces in your aquarium and filter.

do a change now and recheck the readings. and be ready to do another change. with a reading of 2 you may need to change a lot of water.
 
once adding fish, I have always started water changes.
You might want to add a bacteria booster (I like Micor-Lift's Therapy)

The water change might not be the best thing for your bacteria...I don't know...the ammonia is definatly harmful to your fish.
 
If cycling with fish, you should be doing water changes as soon as you any detect ammonia or nitrite. You need to change enough of the tank water so that ammonia and nitrite read 0. Don't worry, water changes won't negatively affect the cycle.
 
I think you are getting a fishy cycle and fishless cycle requirements mixed up.

You are doing a fishy cycle, you need to be doing water changes.
 
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