Cycling with Danios

[Coler]

So, like I said I did the 50% and 30% water change last night. This morning my nitrites were the same color in my test. Let's say they were at 4.0. A 50% in theory (according to posts in the forum), would reduce it to 2.0, and then a 30% would reduce it further to 1.4ppm. This would be my confusion, as the nitrites have not dropped, the fish are great and the water is fine. That being said, I have not cleaned the inside of the tank walls during this, and when I removed/filled water, I noticed pieces of waste (or whatever) mixed in the substrate (yes, the substrate was initially cleaned good). I since have left that to settle/filter through the filter to the bio-wheel, and cycle and cycle over again.

Any reason for the nitrites at the same level?

Thanks

depends - when did you test after the changes ? it does build up again very quickly when the bacteria have not sufficiently developed, as said by star rider. I also agree you should test for nitrate as well, so as to monitor your progress through cycling at any rate.

 

[sm100378]

Same thing happened to me when cycling. I don't know if some type of exponential phenomena is taking place or what, but I developed new muscles hauling those buckets. I eventually resolved myself to 50% PWC daily until the magical day. I gave up on the 2x day, my numbers stayed fairly steady. I think I did daily PWC for a month (don't forget, I foolishly added platies!) following the first month of waiting for things to happen. Good luck. Hopefully you'll cycle sooner rather than later. It is like majic when it happens.

I am actually using the Python to remove/deliver water 20 feet across the rooom :headbang2:


Thanks for sharing the similarity with steady data until visibility of nitrates.


SM

 

[stasia8756]

Yea, the water changes are a pain because sometimes you might have to do two a day. I did two fishy cycles and this took up a lot of time. I did my 38 gal with 7 zebras and 6 red eye tetras. They all are still alive and the cycling took place last spring. The water changes were key though.

 

[platytetrafan]

I did a fishy cycle myself since I was new to the fishy world when I first started I did not know how to do a fishless cycle. I too used danios and yes they are very hardy fish. You must do water changes daily you will get an ammonia spike first although it is time consuming you have to do the changes daily. Ammonia will eventually level off then you will get nitrite continue to do the water changes until these two levels are 0 even a level of .25 is harmful for your fish. Once ammonia is 0 nitrite is 0 and nitrate shows up you are cycled but even then wait atleast a week to see that your levels are still in check then add your fish slowly. During the cycle period feed the fish lightly. Hope this helps. GOOD LUCK!

 

[PDX-PLT]

I would say don't get any more Danios unless they are fish you plan to keep after the cycling.

Good advice. A couple of years later, I still have a couple of those annoying, hyperactive fish that I haven't found new homes for...

 

[mozart]

Glad to know I wasn't the only one to find that quote offensive.

 

[Rbishop]

This thread has run its course.