H0pefulDad
Fish Fanatic
Hi, I've got a 10 gallon tank set up for a betta fish, and of course I've been trying to cycle it before I get my fish. I used API quick start after adding about 4 ppm of pure ammonia, thinking that would get the cycle happening quickly. But it's been about two weeks now, and it seems like my cycle is stuck on these readings: 2 ppm ammonia, 0.25 ppm nitrites, and 0 nitrates. After testing today I think the ammonia might have gone down a tiny bit, and maybe the nitrites, but there's definitely no nitrates.
Is there any reason this is taking so slow? My aquarium is heated to 78 degrees Fahrenheit and the filter has been running the whole time, but I've never had to add more ammonia, and the nitrite levels have never gone above 0.25 ppm. I added more bacteria from the API quick start a few times, should I try that again or would it be a bad idea at this point? I just want to get one of those adorable bettas at the nearest fish store out of the tiny bowls they're kept in and into a beautiful new home, but I can't do that until I'm sure that it's safe for them.
Is there any reason this is taking so slow? My aquarium is heated to 78 degrees Fahrenheit and the filter has been running the whole time, but I've never had to add more ammonia, and the nitrite levels have never gone above 0.25 ppm. I added more bacteria from the API quick start a few times, should I try that again or would it be a bad idea at this point? I just want to get one of those adorable bettas at the nearest fish store out of the tiny bowls they're kept in and into a beautiful new home, but I can't do that until I'm sure that it's safe for them.