10g Aquarium won't cycle been 3+ months!

[SubRosa]

As long as your pH remains at 6 the tank will never cycle. The bacteria that oxidize ammonia require a higher pH.

 

[krpott]

I use API Master test kit. I know the beneficial bacteria lives in the gravel, and other surfaces along with the filter. Doesn't the majority of the waste that creates ammonia live in the gravel as well? Should I do water changes while gravel vacuuming? Looks like i need to do water changes until the ammonia drops then start raising the ph/adding more beneficial bacteria.

 

[thorpbrian]

What is the ph of your tap water? Is there anything in the tank that could lower the ph?

6 is awfully low for most species. Especially any that will live happily in a 10 gal tank.

If it were me I'd get your ph issue figured out. After the ph was closer to 7 I'd get my hands on some Tetra Safe Start to cycle the tank with.

 

[KarlTh]

pH isn't important in and of itself. I predict a very low KH behind it.

 

[Fishfriend1]

personally i would get a bigger tank and let the fish grow into that.

 

[Flamfish]

I had a problem with harsh ammonia right along the same lines when cycling my first tank not too long ago. my main problem was that most fish food directions say to feed 3 times a day which is completely ridiculous. once a day feedings.

 

[krpott]

on the ph issue: I couldn't find a KH testing kit at my LFS. I have ph reulator stuff to make it 7.0, but I heard that if i use it before the ammonia comes down it could make the water toxic. I haven't tested my tap water's ph. I'll get on that. I'm not sure what in a tank could lower the ph? I would buy a bigger aquarium but I really just wanna cycle this one before I lose my mind. : /

I've done 3 water changes (10-25%) every day for the past 3 days and the ammonia levels haven't changed from 8ppm. So, as a supplement to my ammonia removing adventure I bought some activated carbon/zeolite which is supposed to help.

I only feed them a little bit once a day so I don't think that's the problem.

Thank you thorpbrian for the Tetra Safe Start recommendation.

 

[krpott]

what kind of gravel did you have??

I just have petco brand gravel.

 

[krpott]

I would also stop cleaning the filter until your tank is cycled. That's where all the beneficial bacteria is. With an ammonia of 8 I would think your fish would be dead. What kind of test are you using? Are you sure it's good?

I haven't cleaned the filter, I just check for obstructions over the holes and such.

 

[krpott]

ok, so this is weird....

my tap water has a ph of 7.6.
my 2.5 gallon tank has a ph of a perfect 7.0.
and then there's my 10gallon at 6.0.