Another Cycling Question

[MarkInNC]

I started a fishless cycle by adding amonia and today marks three weeks since my start. I have been checking the amonia and nitrite levels during the wait time. I just checked today and my amonia level is 4+ppm and my nitrite level is 0. These levels are unchanged during the three week period.

This is my first tank so I do not have a bacteria start. I have asked my friends as well as neighbors and folks at work and have not found anyone that has an aquarium. I have read that it is not advised to try and get a bacteria start from a pet store as it is not known what bad things are in the water.

Is it time to go to one of the local pet stores and buy a used filter element or some rocks or plants to try and start a bacteria colony? Even knowing the risk of introducing some bad bacteria?

thanks,

Mark

 

[Lupin]

To be rest assured, get an established filter media from a tank where the stocks all look very healthy. Ask your store first the history of their stocks before you ask their filter media. You really need the bacteria to convert ammonia to nitrite and nitrite to nitrate. What test kit do you use?

 

[MarkInNC]

Yes, I understand that I need to have a bacteria colony to munch on the amonia to see it drop, then a second colony to munch on the nitrates to see it drop.

I just tested my tap water and confirmed that test shows the expected zero amonia and zero nitrate level. I am using an API master test set.

I am going to visit my lfs and see what I can find.

thanks,

Mark