Cycle Log

[Gvilleguy]

You are shooting for 29C/84F during the fishless cycle. Have a read through this if you have not already:

My link

 

[menacer]

Thanks buddy nice read!

 

[menacer]

New test log added!

 

[waterdrop]

Looked at your log. Looks like you are on about Day 13 since first ammonia dosing. Your pH sounds high enough to be ok for the bacteria. I assume you're up at about 29C for the temp. It's not all that uncommon not to have much ammonia drop in the first two weeks, so nothing to worry about there. I can't remember that much about the Interpet filters, I assume they don't have any chemical resins (usually white chemicals, not ceramic pieces) that might be removing the ammonia so that the bacteria can't get it, right? What media do they have?

~~waterdrop~~

 

[menacer]

Thanks for the reply, they use carbon foam!

 

[menacer]

is that ok?

 

[menacer]

Anyone?

 

[Joshwainwright]

Carbon removes chemicals from the water so it would probably be best to remove the carbon pads/media...

 

[menacer]

Oh i see And leave the normal white sponge in?

 

[Ifti]

Leave the sponge in and remove the carbon. Carbon should only be used when you have applied medicine to the tank and wish to remove it. Carbon does not last very long anyway - usually just a few hours. Stick to foams.
Regularly wash the foams from fish poo in water you have removed from the tank when cleaning.
If the foams are falling apart and you wish to replace, replace half the foam at a time to ensure you don't get rid of all the good bacteria.

Just stuff I've picked up from other members here!

 

[menacer]

Ok i have removed the carbon sponge it had some white kind of algae looking stuff on it. I scrapped some onto the white sponge and added the sample sponge to the side that the carbon came out of. Is that ok?

 

[waterdrop]

Sorry I didn't get back sooner. The carbon sponge would have been fine but it's also fine that you replaced it as the little flecks of carbon attached to those sponges can flake off and carry out some of your bacteria with water changes. Another good thing sometimes about the white sponges is that later on, after the cycle, the first couple times you gently squeeze the debris out of them you'll possibly be able to observe the brown stain they obtain that is the actual bacteria. I always feel this is a part of the true hands-on experience that sticks in your mind, your very own bacteria that you worked hard to culture and you get to see it. Most sponges we buy these days can last you many years.

~~waterdrop~~