Need help with Fishless Cycling

How long did your fishless cycling last before complete?

  • Total voters
    21
  • Poll closed .
purblind

purblind

1 tank, 2 tanks, 3 tanks, 4tanks...
Aug 22, 2005
58
0
0
Toronto
ca.geocities.com
If there is anyone that could help, I'd really appreciate it. I started my first Fishless cycle one week ago. I have a 75 gallon tank, 350 bio-wheel filter, and a 100watt heater( I know, not enough but my temp is steady at 90 degrees F). I began by adding 41 ml of ammonia to get my readings to 5.0ppm. I noticed after the 3rd day that my nitrites were starting to rise, so I began only adding half of the ammonia and am now noticing that my ammonia(No2) drops to nearly 0 ppm everyday(and am adding 20.5ml daily) and my Nitrites are between 3.3 and 33ppm. I tested my nitrates and thet're reading 5.0 ppm. I'm using the tetratests laborett for the tests. What I'm wondering is, should I do a water change to get the nitrites down? I'm really worried that I might be stalling the cycle. I have a 15 gallon tank that's housing 3 ID sharks and they are getting overcrowded so some quick help would be gr8!
Thanks plenty!
 
You are on track. This is the longest part of the cycle. Normally the first ammonia spick will take 1-2 weeks but you get it in a day because of how much you were adding. This next leg of the cycle can tank 2-4 weeks so get ready to wait. Try taking 1/2 the filter media from the 15g and put it in the 75g if you haven't already. Also buy a NitrAte test kit. The dumb people at Tetra didn't do that for you.
 
Thanks for the quick response. I did the nitrate test with Aquarium pharmaceuticals kit. I've gotten a 5.0ppm reading the last couple days. I've also added filter media from an established tank from day one. One more question. Should I keep adding the ammonia? And for how long? Thanks a bunch and I'll keep you up to date on my progress! The sharks(Angel, spike and D.P.R(Dread Pirate Roberts)) appreciate your help as well.
 
Add more pre-innoculated media from the other tank. One of the reasons that fishless is so long for some folks is that the nitrite-eaters die back before there is enough nitrite to expand that population.

That temp (90F) is awfully warm. Are you aerating as well to keep O2 levels up.
 
Thanks for the filter tip. I'll go ahead and add more. Regarding the temp, all the articles I've read say that bacteria thrives in temperatures of 92-94 degrees. Unfortunatly I haven't been able to get it that high b/c I only have a 100watt heater. The tank I believe is well O2'ed. Is there a test for O2? Should I have one? I'm running a Rena Air 200 with a 1" airstone, a 36" bubble tube, and a Rum drinking Skeleton.
 
Ok, well it's days 13 of my fishless cycle and I'm still stuck with a huge nitite spike(3.3-33ppm) since day 7. I've been testing NitrAte and have been getting a 5.0 ppm reading since day 8. I'm still adding Ammonia at 30 ml a day and am reading levels the next day at 0.25 ppm. Does all this look OK?? Should I be starting to see nitrAte levels rise or rise soon? I've also added another filter cartridge from my 15G. What about adding "Cycle"? Will that help things move along quicker?

A little help goes a long way and I appreciate any help!! Thanks to kasakato and RTR getting me thus far!!

So whatcha all thinkin?
 
Quick question, what type of Ammonia are you using...I just bought some Giant brand, with is the Ammonium Hydroxide with a couple other ingedrients including a Surfactant and a clarifying agent. Will that work??
 
STOP...don't use any ammonia with anything it it!! I'm using Goldex brand household ammonia. I called the company and they said it's natural ammonia at 5% concentration. 5% ammonia, 95% water. Bought it at Canadian Tire. Hope this helps
 
Next time just stick some fish in and do it the old fashion way less B/S :cool:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom