Adding water during cycle ...

[JSchmidt]

Yes, that is quite common. There are a whole host of microorganisms that live in our aquaria. As a tank matures, some of the populations grow more quickly than the organisms that control it, leading to blooms. The best treatment is to do nothing, especially while cycling. It almost always goes away on its own.

Good luck,
Jim

 

[DaveyGSXR]

Thanks alot guys for the help , another question i have an aquaclear 200 for my 30 gal. long do you think i will need another filter? also, if i get a gallon of water from a freinds tank will it help speed things up for me ?


Thanks Alot,

Davey

 

[Peter99]

When I cycled my 55 gallon tank I accidently added too much amonia (7ppm). I ended up using 3 filters (Fluval 304, Penguin Mini and Penguin 125), 2 of which were already developed filters. Amazingly it only took 2 weeks and 5 days to cycle the tank. Took 1 week for the amonia to disappear to unoticible levels and 1 week and 5 days for the nitrite to reach undetectable levels.

I don't think adding water from a fully cycled tank will do much to your cycle process. But if you get gravel, filter or decorations from a fully cycled tank, that will help.

 

[DaveyGSXR]

thanks, when i notice the ammonia droping do i still add more ammonia and will i see some nitrites when the ammonia drops ?

 

[JSchmidt]

Yes, when ammonia starts to drop, it's because the ammonia is being consumed and nitrites are being consumed. You should continue to add ammonia to bring the tank up to your target concentration.

I agree that adding water from an existing tank will do little or nothing to speed your cycle. Filter media or gravel from an existing tank will help a lot, though.


HTH,
Jim

 

[daveedka]

Yes, keep adding ammonia Enough to bring it back up to 5ppm, at least until the nitrites appear, then keep it at at least 2.5 ppm after that. When the ammonia starts dropping ( assumning the bacteria are eating it) you will see nitrites, Nitrite is the waste product of the ammonia eaters. Likewise when the nitrite (eventually) starts dropping you will see nitrates produced. When you can add enough ammonia to get 5ppm and 24 hours later the ammonia is gone and there are no nitrItes your cycle is fully estabilished.

 

[DaveyGSXR]

Ok i think iam starting to understand lol ... so when my nitrites drop to zero where should my ammonia level be ? zero also ? and after my nitrites drop to zero should i get my ammonia to 5ppm and then the next day check it ?

 

[Peter99]

When your nitrite drop, your nitrate rises. You can add fish when your amonia level and nitrite level drop to zero (do a water change to drop the nitrate level before adding fish).