4 weeks into fishy cycle and no nitrites at all

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ClimbAZ527

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Sep 26, 2003
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I'm already 4 weeks into my fishy cycle. I have 4 fish in my 20G and absolutely no nitrites. I'm clueless at this point what to do and why this **** tank won't cycle. I've been seeding the tank with Proquatics beneficial bacteria per a recommendation by someone to do so. I also do a 20% water change every week and add the beneficial bacteria solution. Any suggestions as to what is going on and what I should do? Should I not use the activated carbon with the cycle? Should I invest maybe in a live plant. I'm lost and no one I know can tell me why I'm not getting nitrite readings at all. Please help.

Many Thanks,
Heath
 
I wouldn't waste your money on the bacteria in a bottle. The only proven bacteria to work is bio-spira. Just doing water changes will be fine.
 
Well, my ammonia readings get up to about 2 between water changes. No nitrates at all though. I've been cycling, or rather lack thereof of cycling, for about 5 weeks now. I have a very small nitrite reading with my dry tab test kit (about .25 was the nitrite reading), hasn't spiked though and I just changed filters after like 5 weeks.
 
Don't change the filters. That is where most of the good bacteria grows. Just rinse it out and keep using it. You have pretty much restarted the cycle but taking the filter out.

What kind of filter do you have? If it is one with cartridges I suggest removing the cart. and replacing it with sponges and filter floss. Carbon is useless unless you are removing something specific from the water.
 
I have a 30G power filter. One of my fish just died today also, so this whole cycle process is driving me %$^&!@* insane. Now I'm down to 3 fish. I now know you're right about replacing the filter, my nitrite readings are nill today. Could someone please tell me all the essential things I need to know about cycling with fish; all the steps involved etc... I'm tired of losing fish needlessly; this is the third one I've lost.
 
Since you have fish in the tank there is really only one way to go. Test for ammonia and nitrites. If either register then do a water change to reduce the levels. This may mean doign a water change every day for awhile until the bacteria starts growing. Don't worry about the bacteria growing, the bacteria can only use so much ammonia and nitrite at once.

Don't change the filter but every couple of weeks take the filter media and rinse it using old tank water that you have removed for a water change.

Keep testing and when you notice that ammonia and nitrite are no longer appearing then feel free to start slowly adding more fish to the group.

Live plants will help as well as they will absorb a lot fo the ammonia and nitrites and nitrates. Plants like Java Fern are super easy to grow and are very nice on the eyes as well.
 
My best advice is just water changes and filter media rinses, but don't change the actual filter media. Use a good water conditioner and you are set. You'll get there.
 
I did a 20% water change today and the levels for ammonia are down to about 1.0 to 1.5. What ammonia level should I try to keep the tank at during cycling? Also, since it's the winter season do you have any suggestions for warming up new water before adding it to the tank?
 
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