Cycle Questions

[jen87]

Okay I have some questions about a tank that I'm trying to cycle. The tank is 20 gallons there are a couple hardy fish inside. I'm going on to week five of the cycle and I have lost my nitrite and still have ammonia. About a week ago I had trace ammonia, nitrite just starting, and 0 nitrate. Then just a couple of days ago My ammonia rose to 1, nitrite is zero, and nitrate is 5. I didn't do anything to the filter, my water changes have been consistent, and the only thing I've added are live plants. My other tank didn't do this. so I'm wondering if there's something I'm missing.


Many thanks
- Jen

 

[Amunet]

Have you checked the pH? It's possible that it may have crashed very low so it's stalling the cycle.
What's the pH out of the tap? If pH is your problem, I'd try doing a large water change.. test the pH after a few hours etc etc.
If pH still crashes, then you may need to put something in to the tank to keep it up... such as maybe crushed coral or for a quicker solution, baking soda.

 

[jen87]

Have you checked the pH? It's possible that it may have crashed very low so it's stalling the cycle.
What's the pH out of the tap? If pH is your problem, I'd try doing a large water change.. test the pH after a few hours etc etc.
If pH still crashes, then you may need to put something in to the tank to keep it up... such as maybe crushed coral or for a quicker solution, baking soda.

my PH has stayed very steadily at 7.6. I've never tested it out of the tap. is 7.6 a problem?

 

[Amunet]

Nope, that pH is perfect.
I would just keep doing what you're doing. Fish in cycling is a pain in the butt.
You said you have another tank? You could cut off some of that ones mature filter media and use it in the new tank to help speed the cycling process along.

 

[jen87]

Nope, that pH is perfect.
I would just keep doing what you're doing. Fish in cycling is a pain in the butt.
You said you have another tank? You could cut off some of that ones mature filter media and use it in the new tank to help speed the cycling process along.

Hmmm I never though about that. good idea! Yes this is an awful process.



Thanks for the help.

 

[Tolak]

Never trust your water supplier. They will increase disinfectants (chlorine & chloramine) as they feel necessary for public health & safety. This is great for humans, but bad for fish, especially in a cycling tank with a delicate new colony of nitrifying bacteria.

Double up on dechlorinator during water changes. This will hurt nothing, and is something I do as standard practice with young fry tanks. I have a pretty good idea as to what my water supplier does when & why, so the rest of the tanks are pretty routine.

 

[jen87]

Never trust your water supplier. They will increase disinfectants (chlorine & chloramine) as they feel necessary for public health & safety. This is great for humans, but bad for fish, especially in a cycling tank with a delicate new colony of nitrifying bacteria.

Double up on dechlorinator during water changes. This will hurt nothing, and is something I do as standard practice with young fry tanks. I have a pretty good idea as to what my water supplier does when & why, so the rest of the tanks are pretty routine.

That's really good to know. Thank you.