Action Stations Cycle This Bloomin Tank

[Em29]

After 3 weeks of having 90 litre tank, ammonia has pretty much stubbornly stayed at 5ppm. No Nitrites at all....ever. Very odd considering the week showed a decline in ammonia but perhaps was a duff test a couple of times (new to this). I am using API master test kit.

I tested today Ammonia still at 5ppm an no nitrites so have done a 90% WC and remeasured. Ammonia down to 0.5ppm.

I think I will leave tank to go to zero ppm before upping slowly to 3ppm. Do not want to over load the tank again maybe.

Does this sound prudent?
I am getting fed up of the tank sat there doing nothing - not even growing nice bacteria.


I checked the filter inside and it is sort of gunky and looking like a worn in filter. Haven't touched it or rinsed it though.

 

[The Taffy Apple]

Hi..well done for having the patience so far, but as you have chosen a fishless cycle (i presume) then patience is the key.. believe me, 3 weeks of NO Ammonia drop what-so-ever is nothing to worry about.
Unless you can get hold of a donation of mature media (sponge would probably be easiest) then you really will have to wait to see the fruits of your despair.
Keep at it, it will happen.

Terry.

 

[Em29]

Thanks Terry. Have just tested as there is good daylight at the moment. I compared the nitrite test from my established fluval edge with the tank I am cycling. There is definitely some nitrite in new tank but not 0.25ppm worth.
This is encouraging to me!!

i am prepared to wait as long as it takes.....doing massive water changes on larger ish tanks is not fun

 

[Aqua Tom]

Are you doing a fish-in-cycle or a fishless one?

Tom

 

[Em29]

Fishless Tom.

 

[ShinySideUp]

I recently completed a fishless cycle and did only one water change in the six weeks it took (I did have a small amount of established media to kick start). I only did the water change because the nitrite had got so high I couldn't tell how they were if you see what I mean. After starting the cycle with 4 ppm I then continued with 2.5 ppm replenishing when the ammonia dropped to about 0.25 ppm.