My fishless cycle thus far...
- Thread starter asphaltblues
- Start date
I agree with rbishop about doing a massive pwc to restore the natural value of your tap water. pH crashes can be fairly common in low alkalinity water. Normally it occurs at the tail end, and does have the possibility of basically pressing the pause button for some time. I've seen examples of multiple pH crashes basically preventing cycles from completing. The nitrIfying bacteria use the buffers in the water during conversion...and when you're pumping 4ppm through the nitrogen cycle, the bacteria can chew through the buffers pretty quickly. It definitely appears you have low kH, and if crashes continue to happen, it may be worth considering adding a small bag of crushed coral or aragonite into the filter until the cycle is done in order to keep the pH stable. You can always remove the CC from the tank once cycled so it doesn't alter water chemistry...but with low enough alkalinity it may be worth permanently running a small amount to maintain your levels so you don't experience crashes once the tank is stocked.
Thanks Rbishop and eco23 for your information... I will do a 90% wc in a little while and see where that gets me... I have also noted the crushed coral as Eco23 suggested... Thanks again guys...
OK... my newest results after I would estimate as an 80% WC... Ph 7.2 (much better)... Nitrite is still off the chart... and nitrate I would say was between 40-80 ppm... any new thoughts... do I just wait it out now... do another WC in a couple days? Also there is no ammonia in there at the moment... should I spike it again?
Wait 24 hrs after your 80% water change then test for ammonia. If none is present, dose your tank to get to a 1 - 2ppm ammonia level.
What temperature are you keeping your tank at? Are your filter(s) also running?
What temperature are you keeping your tank at? Are your filter(s) also running?
No heater at the moment... my apartment is about 80 degrees... filtration is a fluval 205... I know there is no ammonia at the moment because I tested it before the water change... di I dose it now?
Yup. If it's gone when you test tomorrow, do another 90% to knock that nitrite down a few levels.
OK... In the last 5 days... I have done a 50% wc.. and 80% wc... and a 90% wc... Ph keeps spiking... currently 7.2... Nitrites still through the roof... and Nitrates are at about 40ppm... why aren't the water changes doing anything to lower Nitrite and Nitrate levels... Or maintain a neutral Ph for that matter... I tested water straight from the tap... Neutral Ph... 0 Nitrite and 0 Nitrate... Just wanted to be sure the test kit (API Master) wasn't defective... Ideas? I'm going into my 5'th week and am getting frustrated
