Is my Fishless Cycle Stalled?

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omarion0815

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Apr 26, 2014
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Saint Augustine, FL
Hello, I have been two weeks into a fishless cycle. My Ammonia is not dropping, and Nitrite is not rising. They have been the same every day for two weeks. Here are my readings:

Ammonia: 4 PPM
Nitrite: .25 PPM
Nitrate: 5 PPM
Ph: 7 PPM

Also, I am using the API Master test kit, and Aqueon water conditioner as my dechlorinator. I would like to know what to do in order to let my cycle continue.
Thanks,
Omar
 

ktrom13

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Feb 4, 2013
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boston
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Im not to good with the cycle process but im pretty sure dechlorinator interacts with ammonia to detoxify the water. Maybe you should go a few days without using dechlorinator and see if anything changes. Also I'd like to add that there is no need to using dechlorinator just yet because you have no livestock( or at least you didnt mention any) its just a waste of money to use it IMO

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Star_Rider

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Dec 21, 2005
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try not adding ammonia see if it drops
also give it time it takes a few weeks to get the cycle to even kick in
 

FreshyFresh

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Jan 11, 2013
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Two weeks isn't enough time. It can take 4 weeks before you see nitrites, then longer for nitrates.

Keep using the dechlorinator, as chlorine can kill beneficial bacteria.

Like Star rider said, stop dosing ammonia, or do a water change to lower the ammonia level slightly to see if that helps. Definitely go easy on the ammonia once nitrites start to climb.

I wouldn't even bother wasting the nitrate test drops for now. Eventually that's what you'll need to use the most.
 

jpappy789

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Feb 18, 2007
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It would also be a good idea to 1) test your source water (tap?) and 2) absolutely make sure you are using the tests correctly

The tests can be a bit finicky and results are unreliable if you aren't following the directions completely as written. I say this because I'm a bit concerned that you aren't seeing any decreases with water changes (e.g. a 50% wc should cut numbers in half). Also, that's a rather quick showing for nitrate without much nitrite in between, so possibly either your tap has some noticeable N background values or the numbers are incorrect.
 

omarion0815

AC Members
Apr 26, 2014
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Saint Augustine, FL
Okay, I've tested my source tap water, here are the results:

Ammonia: 2 PPM
Nitrite: 0 PPM
Nitrate: 0 PPM
Also, I am using the tests correctly, I've read the manual that came with the test kit. And I have done 6 water changes, and the tests have been the same.
 
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