My tank has been cycling for 4 weeks now. The ammonia has just started to come down but very slowly. There was a nitrite spike at the end of the first week and it lasted up until today. A few days ago it was showing nitrite now my test reads 0. I just don't understand how the bacteria to convert nitrite developed quicker than the bacteria that converts ammonia. Last week I read somewhere that having the temperature higher during cycle speeds up the process so I turned the temperature up and it stays inbetween 88 and 90. Not sure if that had anything to do with it...I also considered that maybe the test kit is defective but I've already used it a good 10 or 12 times or so and it's been accurate every time. Any thoughts?
yet another cycling question
- Thread starter KBS1664
- Start date
88-90 shouldn't kill any bacteria as long as the water is aerated. That's about how warm I have made tanks in the past to do a fishless cycle. It should allow the bacteria to multiply faster
I've read several articles that say up to 95 is good, mid 80's to 90 being the optimum. I have an internal filter with an aeration valve so the water has great circulation and surface agitation.
Sounds like it is running very well... Test for nitrates and see if you are getting the last portion of the cycle...
dropping the temp slowly seems like the next logical step if the nitrites are getting transformed into nitrate..
dropping the temp slowly seems like the next logical step if the nitrites are getting transformed into nitrate..
I'm maintaining at 1 to 2 ppm. Well I started off at 4 and it's now down to 1.5. I forgot to mention that the water started to get cloudy about 3 days ago and now it's quite cloudy. Bacteria bloom?
I haven't checked for nitrates yet but I will tonight when I pick up a test kit
I haven't checked for nitrates yet but I will tonight when I pick up a test kit
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Temp only works up until a certain point...they will survive 90 degrees but it is not optimal for growth. Most of the stuff I am reading says 86 F/30 C is the max for ideal growth.
I've turned the temp down to 85 this morning. I just checked for ammonia a few mins ago and it's coming down a little quicker now. This morning was 2 ppm now it's just under 1