Fishless cycle (I feel retarded)

[catt410]

Ok first I will say that I have had a successful large tank before (50 gl).

I set up the tank Sat night 135 gl (filled with water, gravel and pump).

Mon I added all the decorations, heaters and lights. I also added a bacteria supplement, because I can't find amonia (if I could I'm not sure what to get, this is were I get retared).

Today I tested:

PH 7.6
nitrite 0
nitrite (2) 0
Amonia 1.0

Am I headed in the right direction? I don't know why there is 2 nitrites and a high and low PH. Do I have to get amonia? Oh do I keep the lights on? Can I mess with the decorations?

My brain hurts.....

 

[didy]

What kind of "bacteria supplement" did you add? Unless it's biospira, it's probably not bringing you any closer to a cycled tank.

Just make sure you buy ammonia that has no other ingredients.

 

[kmail5776]

cocktail shrimp - great source of ammonia. Great source of thoer smells as well.

 

[Weezer]

You should have an AMMONIA - NITRITE - AND NITRATE TEST..The rites and rates test are different..just checking....

 

[Erikajo]

I just finished fishless cycling my tank, so I know a little bit about it.
For starters, I would visit the "cycling" sticky - great info in there about fishless cycling & you could probably find the answer to most of your questions:
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84598

As for an ammonia source, yes you do need something. The best option is to get clear ammonia. ACE's hardware stores sells their own brand of ammonia - it has no additives & is exactly what you need to get. You could also try a grocery store or hardware store - just make sure it's plain clear ammonia with nothing else added. The Ace's brand is 10% ammonia mixed with water - look for something like that.

What kind of test kits are you using? Strips are not usually reliable. The API Master Test Kit is highly recommended.

I'm not sure either why you have nitrites before ammonia. Normally that shouldn't happen. I would double check your test (make sure you have the drip tests, not strips) and go from there. What kind of bacterial supplement did you add? Most of them are pretty ineffective and a waste of money. I've heard good things about Bio-Spira, but it's very hard to find and pretty expensive.

I'm not sure what you mean by a "high and low pH." You said your pH is 7.6. That should be fine for most fish. That's why my pH is. You will find that most experienced aquarists will advocate for a STABLE pH vs a particular pH. Most fish can easily adapt to different pH's (within reason of course) - it's pH fluctuations that hurt them.

You can leave your light on. I've heard some people say that you should leave it off, but I never had a problem with algae in the 5-6 weeks it took me to fishless cycle. And I messed with the decor and plants here and there. Just make sure your hands are clean (no lotion or anything) and you should be all set.

Oh and way to go on a fishless cycle! Your fish will truly thank you!
I like your set up too! Great job!

 

[catt410]

Thanks for the replys.
I did get the drop test (I'm sure it's rites and rates, but I will check).
I had no idea that it was just amonia amonia, he he he (see a little retarded).
The bacteria supplement was not Bio-Spira (it's down stairs) I read post after the guy at the fish store told me that I couldn't get amonia and I should try this brand, saying it was a waste of money. I will have get some amonia tommorrow.

Thanks again...

 

[jonjare47]

OK first I will say that I have had a successful large tank before (50 gl). I set up the tank Sat night 135 gl (filled with water, gravel and pump). Mon I added all the decorations, heaters and lights. I also added a bacteria supplement, because I can't find amonia (if I could I'm not sure what to get, this is were I get retared).Today I testedH 7.6 nitrite 0
nitrite (2) 0 Amonia 1.0
Am I headed in the right direction? I don't know why there is 2 nitrites and a high and low PH. Do I have to get amonia? Oh do I keep the lights on? Can I mess with the decorations? My brain hurts.....quote]

Catt410... If I'm understanding you correctly your fine Typical tap water pH is 6.5 to 7.5 and fish tolerate consistent ph as opposed to getting into a loosing battle trying to maintain a specific pH in your tank. If your Ammonia is 1.0 nitrite's .0 and nitrates .0 you on your way, Ammonia and nitrites will peak and nitrates will begin. With consistent PWC's (25 to 50% depending on the level of Ammonia and Nitrite peaks) these levels will fall to 0 leaving you with ideally a 5.0 Nitrate reading. As for the two different pH readings drop test usually have 1 reading card and reagent for pH up to 7.6 if you test at 7.6 you should use the high pH reading card and high ph reagent to get an exact reading. Hope this helps... John

 

[catt410]

Thank John
Would you suggest doing the amonia at this point?

The other question is if I do add amonia hoe much do you add????

Thanks again for all the help

I'm trying to do it right without my brain exploding....

 

[Erikajo]

catt410, I would definitely start adding the ammonia now. Ideally, you need to add about 4-5 ppm worth of ammonia and then wait until the bacteria starts to eat it and the levels lower. For me, that was approx 1 tsp for my 29 gallon tank. I would just add a little, measure the ammonia levels, and add more if you need to. Try not to get it over 5 ppm though because too much ammonia can be toxic even to the bacteria and slow your cycle significantly. If you do add too much ammonia, you can just do a water change to lower the amount.

Once your ammonia levels begin to lower from 4-5 ppm and reach approx 1-2 ppm, you can dose it back up to 4-5 ppm so as to keep the bacteria fed. It will probably take a good 1-2 weeks until you need to add more ammonia after the initial dose. Then you'll need to keep adding ammonia regularly until your cycle is complete (0 ammonia, 0 nitrItes, and some reading of nitrAtes.)

 

[catt410]

I thought I read that you only add ammonia in the begining. If your goal is to get it to 0 why would you hike it up again? does it counter act with the nirites?

Thanks again...