DebraAustin
Fish Fanatic
My cycling was down to the 12 hour mark on both ammonia and nitrites for a whole week. I was going to clean my tank and add my first fish, but had a client with an emergency and so didn't have the time. I added the usual amount of ammonia and when I tested 12 hours later it had not cycled hardly at all? Did all my bacteria somehow mysteriously die overnight? I tested it again this morning and I still have some residual ammonia, but the nitrites are still off the scale. Glad I didn't buy any fish. Can someone help me understand what is going on. I sure hope I'm not back to square one with the cycling.
I didn't add anything weird or change the water. All I did was clip off (with my fingers) the dead parts of the plants I have in there.
Debra
I didn't add anything weird or change the water. All I did was clip off (with my fingers) the dead parts of the plants I have in there.
Debra
Your not done yet...but close,Just in the middle. The bacteria for nitrites are being estabishied. The nitrites will start to come down and then the nitrates will start to rise. It takes about 4 to 6 weeks on average at 78 degrees for a tank to cycle. But it is poss. for it go 8 weeks. 
