Another Fishless Cycle Query ?

[JohnBull]

Now into day 13 of my fishless cycle useing pure Ammonia.

I am currently having to introduce between 5 or 6 ML of Ammonia daily to get a reading of 4ppm,but after 12 hours the Ammonia readings on my API are going back to zero ? Should I INCREASE the daily amount ONCE A DAY,or 'top up'another small amount of Ammonia after 12 hours to keep it at 4 ppm all day ? My tank size is 175 litres,the NITRITE level is OFF the scale, and the NITRATE level is around 20ppm and steady.

Tank temp is 29 degrees and the PH is 7.8.




John

 

[KittyKat]

No, keep dosing a maximum of 4 ppm of ammonia per day. The bacteria won't starve in a day, or probably even two, for that matter.

If the nitrite is off the scale, the best thing you can do is actually do a really large water change, to bring it back into a readable level. Long-term off the scale nitrite tends to stall cycles.

 

[JohnBull]

Hi,

Just did a NITRITE test and it looks like its between 4-5ppm,leaning towards 5ppm. I thought a reading was 'off the scale' if the 5 drops turned purple immediatly at the bottom of the tube before shaking the #41#### thing

Do I still need to do a water change based on that info, if so,would it be ok to do the water change tomorrow ?


Not 100% sure on how to do a water change btw ?



John.

 

[Gvilleguy]

Hi John,

It sounds like your nitrites are not off the scale. Typically if the drops turn dark purple as soon as they hit the test tube, after 5 minutes it will be some off color that does not match the chart. But if you are waiting 5 minutes and getting a good reading, then I would think the big water change might not be needed, especially since you are not very long into your cycle. I am of the opinion that a periodic big water change can help a stalled cycle. Just not convinced yours is stalled yet.

Regarding the ammonia, you only need to be dosing the tank up to 4-5 ppm once every 24 hours. It's great that yours is hitting zero within 12 hours.

 

[eaglesaquarium]

You do not need to "top off" the ammonia in the "Add and Wait" Method. Just add it every 24 hours. If your nitrites are high, you could actually cut back your ammonia dose for a few days to give the N-bacs a chance to catch up. Instead of dosing at 4ppm, you could cut it back to 3ppm. That will greatly help the N-bacs get on track - they prefer a lower concentration than you have. Once the nitrites drop to zero, you can raise the dose back up to 4ppm again at that time.


Remember that 1ppm NH3 becomes 2.7ppm NO2, so that colony needs to be almost 3 times as big.

 

[JohnBull]

Hi,


I Tested the Nitrite and waited 5 mins. Colour on API test kit was deffo purple between 4-5ppm (Between LAST 2 COLOURS ON CHART).

I will make another AMMONIA & NITRITE test in the morning before work and post results.


Thanks for all the help btw.



John.

 

[JohnBull]

This mornings readings at 7.30am.

AMM 0 - (dosed with 4 mlgs of Amm,now back to 3.5 pmm )

NIRITE 5.0 ppm (PURPLE)

NITRATE 10 ppm

PH 7.8


Thanks again


John.

 

[KittyKat]

Looks like you're on track and nothing is wrong. Are you keeping a cycle log somewhere?

 

[JohnBull]

Looks like you're on track and nothing is wrong. Are you keeping a cycle log somewhere?

Yes.

Have logged AMMONIA and NITRITE readings daily.

Usually check NITRATE every 2 days and PH at night.

Now into day 14.

Patience levels are still good.


thank you



John.

 

[Gvilleguy]

Your cycle looks to be progressing very well!