Cycle Question

[JustKia]

We've been fish-in cycling for a couple of weeks (I know this isn't the recommended option).
I've been keeping on top of water changes, testing regularly and closely observing the fish.

After 24 hours (after a 25-30% water change) the ammonia is just about matching the first colour block on the test reference card (<0.2mg/l) and nitrItes are also just about matching the first colour block (<0.3mg/l). NitrAtes are usually around <12.5mg/l (that is to say that the liquid is definitely more coloured than a zero reading, but not as dark as the 12.m/gl [first colour block]). Just recently the nitrIte reading was spiking and matching the first colour block after 12 hours, but that has settled back to 24 hours again now.
As we're getting nitrAtes I'm guessing we must have both types of bacteria, it just seems that we don't have enough of each type.

It's a 125L tank, temp is 26*C, pH is about 7.2-7.4. There are 8 live plants, 7 danios and quite a few snails (they gatecrashed).
The filter is a Fluval 3+ (came with tank) which has 2 white "sponges" in it. I also added a dose of bacinettes (between the two sponges) about 10 days ago.

* Is the filter media enough to support the required amount of bacteria?
* Would it help if I added some other media such as ceramic hoops?
* Should the bacinette balls be removed at some point or do they just stay there for good?

 

[jumblepod]

I have that filter on my 100L tank. Yeh its big enough for your tank, you should be fine. Ive been running the tank on just sponge filter media for about 6 months and my water conditons test perfect! You dont need all this other rubbish they sell especially those hoop things. I find filter floss can polish your water somtimes if it becomes abit cloudy but apart from that filter sponges are fine.

 

[waterdrop]

You sound like you're doing a great job! You're just about half-way there on average, as it usually takes about a month to cycle a filter with fish in, so just keep up the good work. And yes, sponges are just as good as ceramics as a biomedia. The reason you'll hear ceramics discussed a lot among experienced fishkeepers is mostly just that they offer that final ounce of laziness, knowing you might be able to get them to last forever and not have to buy replacement stuff, as you will eventually have to do with a sponge (years from now, lol.)

~~waterdrop~~

 

[petertr]

I used Fluval 3s and 4s for years. They are very decent filters.

Keep up the water changes until the cycle is done, and you'll be fine

 

[JustKia]

Good to know that the filter is a decent one and that it's media will support plenty of good bacteria =)
Daily water changes are nice and easy thanks to the DIY python post on here.

Thanks for the replies