Cycle Done??

[threejjj]

My tank has been set up for 14 days and my nitrates and nitrites read 0. Does this mean my tank is cylced? I dont have an ammonia test but with two plecos and a couple goldfish i think my tank would have built up enough ammonia for my tank to build up nitrates and nitrites.

 

[Harlock]

Probably not. Usually the end result of a cycle is nitrates, which is what the ammonia is converted into after it is converted into nitrites. I suggest an ammonia test. Also, how big is the tank and what seeding have you done, if any? Oh, and have you been doing water changes?

 

[threejjj]

It is a 55 gallon. What do you mean by seeding? I have done one water change, I want to do more but will that slow down my cycle?
Thanks

 

[Harlock]

It is a 55 gallon. What do you mean by seeding? I have done one water change, I want to do more but will that slow down my cycle?
Thanks

Seeding is taking established media from another tank, and adding it to the tank that is trying to cycle. And no, water changes won't slow down the cycle. The bacteria do not reside in the water column, and so long as there is any trace of ammonia in the tank (and with goldies and plecos, how can there not be?) the bacteria will continue to colonize. Obviously, any extra ammonia means ther is not enough baceria to convert it, so they will continue to reproduce and thrive. Also, go ahead and get an ammonia test, it's a necessity in my opinion.

 

[threejjj]

I kinda seeded it. I put in some decorations from an established tank in the new one and when i first got the tank i let an old filter from the established tank run in the new one. I had to take it out however because it was the only filter i had at the time for my other tank. Is it safe enough to add a few more fish?

 

[Harlock]

Well, considering that you haven't tested ammonia, why not take the money you'd spend on fish and pick up and ammonia test? Again, if nitrates are not showing up, then it is likely that this tank is not cycled.

 

[threejjj]

I just tested my tank and got a reading of .5 on nitrates. The last time i tested was monday. Does that .5 mean anything. i will probably invest in an ammonia test but is it safe to add fish too?.
Thanks

 

[Harlock]

It would be impossible, yet alone irresponsible to tell you if it is safe to add fish without knowing the ammonia levels in that tank, in my opinion.

 

[Kasakato]

55g with Plecos and goldfish...overstocked? I think..yes. Can you give us your stocking levels?

 

[threejjj]

The goldfish are the feeder type and are in there just to cycle the tank(i will be giving them to my lfs when cycle is done). Pleco is one of the fancy smaller types only grows to 5-6 inches max. I am going to be putting 2 parrot fish in there and a school of corries and celebs rainbowfish.