No ammonia after 10 days?

[buzzware]

Hello all! I couldn't find anyone with this problem, so I'm posting a new thread. Sorry if this is a common discussion.

I started a new 30g tank, my first tank, 10 days ago. Actually, the tank was running a couple days before that, but I added four Rosy Barbs 10 days ago.

I have yet to see any ammonia reading from my test kit. I tested for nitrites twice, nitrates once, and ammonia about every other day.

Does this seem odd? I'm anxious for the cycle to start so I know when i can add more fish.

The only thing I can think of is the filter. It's a Fluval 204, which came with carbon as part of the filter media. Is the carbon absorbing all of the ammonia? The manual didn't address the use of the carbon while completing the initial cycling of the tank.

What do you guys suggest? Thanks for your advice!

 

[sumthin fishy]

Is there a reading of "0" for all 3? that does seem wierd after 10 days. Have you checked your exp. date on the kit? can you take a water sample to the lfs for a free test? if you do, make sure to ask for the numbers.

 

[Ms.Bubbles]

Do you have any live plants in your tank? They can absorb ammonia & nitrites to give you a "silent cycle" that never shows up in readings.

 

[buzzware]

Sorry, I should have mentioned that all three values were zero. The test kit seems to work. Colors change to match the key cards, but they match the color for zero!

I'll take a sample to the LFS. Good idea.

No live plants for now. Just four fish!

Oh yea, I did condition the tap water as well. Nutrafin Aqua-Plus, I believe.

 

[rrkss]

Black carbon does not absorb ammonia. White carbon does. The water should test positive for ammonia or at least nitrite by now. I think having someone else test it is a good idea.

 

[joephys]

some conditioners can break down ammonia, check the bottle to see if yours does. When I cycled my tank, I had three swordtails and no ammonia after a week.