Ammonia Seems To Have Stopped Disappearing!

[ChaseTheBetta]

I added some ammonia to my tank on Sunday night, enough to raise it up from 2ppm to 4ppm. When I tested it yesterday evening, it was still 4ppm! So, it seems the ammonia has stopped disappearing. Maybe now the tank will start cycling correctly.

Here's the whole story, if anyone hasn't read it.
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=203707&hl=

Does the tank need an air pump? It didn't come with one. Would it help with the cycling?

 

[rdd1952]

You do need an airpump or at least lower the water level enough to allow the water to splash back in from the filter. The high temperature needed to cycle a tank drives the oygen out so you have to have additional aeration during cycling that you don't necessarily need once the fish are in.

 

[ChaseTheBetta]

Well, I don't have a heater, so the tank isn't any hotter than usual. I hope that doesn't mess up my cycle.

 

[rdd1952]

Bacteria reproductin slows as temperatures go lower so it definitely could be an issue. It won't stop your tank from cycling but it could realy stretch out the time required. What fish do you plan to keep in it that won't need a heater?

 

[ChaseTheBetta]

I'll probably need a heater in the winter. Right now my house is pretty warm. Between 75 and 80 degrees. The tank may be warmer. It feels warmer than my betta's tank. I think the filter actually heats up the water since the entire thing, including the electrical components, are submerged in the water.

Maybe I should just go buy the heater now instead of the winter.