Day 93 In The Cyling A 70L Tank Saga

[HayzH]

NOW....look here....something is definatly stopping this cycle progressing, i just dont know what?

This afternoon (i did tests late as i was out all morning) I tested all my 3 tanks (soon to be 4 ) like i do everyday.

By now you all know this tank is indeed going for the world record for the longest cycle.

Day 93(16hrs post dose) Amm = 0 Nitrite = 0.75 Nitrate = 100 PH = 7.6+ (have no high range test atm)
I am already half dosing (1.4ml instead of 3.6ml)..and its not even processing THAT in 12 hrs??

WHAT IS GOING ON?? I'm really hoping someone can shed some light on this?

It's a 70L Super Fish Tank, Aqua international 200 filter with spraybar. 100w Heater (unknown make but keeps a constant 30 deg) With Sand substrate and 2 ornamants.
It was Mature Media when i bought the tank, i've added a chunk of sponge from my mature tank downstairs (Tank 1), i've tried water changes to bring Nitrates down to see if that helps, buffered the PH when it dipped.....NOTHING!

 

[Tizer]

I would just add some fish and be done with it

 

[HayzH]

I would just add some fish and be done with it

I'm sorely ******** tempted i tell you!!!

 

[mike455555]

I would just add some fish and be done with it

i agree just stock lightly and do a fish in cycle. there must be some bacteria in there by now. measure it and have it done by =]

 

[guppi]

Maybe a better filter would help. What dechlorinator you using,? something not right for sure.

 

[eaglesaquarium]

To be honest, I don't see an issue with what you are doing. This cycle just seems slow. Again, there are folks who have gone over 100 days. I wouldn't blame you if you went with a fish-in cycle to finish.


Before doing that, however, I would completely flush the tank (all new water) and then add the 1.4mL dose just to see if the tank can handle that much bioload from start to finish. If it can, then you know that you should be safe going to about 1/3 of the total stocking - but I wouldn't go that high. I would probably start by moving 2 platies over to that tank. Platies are pretty hardy, and they don't mind being alone. I'd start with them and increase that ever so slightly over the next few weeks. Eventually you would have all the platies in that tank. From there you could move them back to Tank 1 and restock Tank 2 with a shoal of something or whatever you want. I wouldn't get more fish from the LFS, just in case you run into trouble. I know you wanted Tank 2 to be a "showcase" tank, but generally those are more sensitive to cycling, so I wouldn't get them yet. Wait for it to cycle first, then move the platies back before getting your other fish.

 

[garrym1983]

Get some fish in there, you seem to have set the groundwork.

 

[eaglesaquarium]

First of all, there are differences of opinion about fish-in cycles. First, some people are very comfortable with fish in cycles, especially if the aquarist understands the nitrogen cycle and how to foresee problems BEFORE they happen. Second, in this case, her tank is fully cycled for SOME fish. The fishless cycle goal is generally to get to the point where all the fish can be added at once, or at least a bunch, like a full shoal in at one time. The goal is also to have some head room (extra bacteria to deal with the ammonia) to ensure there are no spikes. Finally, in this case, she has been waiting almost 100 days doing a proper fishless cycle, but it has stalled, which can be very frustrating. But, she hasn't been dealing with massive daily water changes to get to this point, so it has been easier for her. And the fish that she could pop in now would have some bacteria right away clearing any ammonia. And having gone through this process, she understands now how slow the bacteria are to populate her filter and she will know that adding a lot of fish to this now, or quickly in the future will be a problem, as her bacteria won't be able to keep up with the increased bioload.



I understand that it seems to be contradictory advice, but it really isn't. HayzH understands the nitrogen cycle now, and the need for the water changes as soon as the ammonia or nitrite reading are even a blip over zero. Most aquarists don't know that, nor do they recognize exactly how much water truly needs to be changed to bring the toxins back down into range if it somehow spikes. People on here will post things like they have 2ppm ammonia and just got done completing a 30% water change, like that is somehow better. (This is not to belittle those folks, but to point out how misinformed they are about the true need for water changes.) The water change hasn't done anything of consequence, but the person some how feels like they have done something to help their fish. That is a kin to putting a band-aid on a gunshot wound. Perhaps it is better than nothing, but it won't actually help. It just makes the person putting on the bandaid feel like they've somehow done something.


The advice here is to get HayzH through the cycle the rest of the way WITH her sanity. She can do this, and she is prepared to do it now that she truly understands the process. It isn't an effort to confuse anyone. There are a lot of factors in the aquarium hobby that we still don't understand or even know exist that can contribute to a cycle completing faster. Adding more "natural" elements to the equation always helps. But, this needs to be done in a proper ratio. Fish in cycles have been done for generations, and successfully for both aquarist and fish by experienced aquarists who did what was necessary to keep their fish healthy. The issue is that most newbies are far too uninformed to get through the cycle safely for their fish. First, they add too many fish. Second, they don't complete sufficiently large or frequent water changes. Third, many don't even have a test kit to ensure that they are doing what needs to be done when it needs to be done.

I hope this helps to explain why some folks would suggest finishing this tank off with a fish-in cycle. Technically, after the initial stocking of fish, any future fish added are always a fish-in cycle. The difference is that when you do that, you are doing it slowly so that there are no spikes in ammonia or nitrite. But, tests are performed regularly to confirm that things are safe.

 

[HayzH]

i would have liked at least 1 of my tanks to complete a cycle properly.

i think i will hold on a while longer.

i do understand the Nitrogen cycle, and both my other tanks did extremely well when i put fish in.Tank 1 had a couple of mini cycles (2 days max)and tank 3 had no spikes at all.

I started this cycle in AUGUST, i have seen new peeps come in and cycle their tanks and away they go. It is very disheartning. Although i am very pleased for these individuals, i would in fact like fish in ALL my tanks.

Eagle, you have been brilliant recently, keeping my motivation up...and i thank you. BBA gave up on me ages ago
i have also done as you suggested by emptying ALL the water out and dosing 1.4ml a while back with no difference made. The Nitrates lowered for a day or two but nothing....squat!

The filter says up to 200L !!! it's only a 70L tank. and my 60L had a brand new Fluval and wouldnt cycle either. The Aqua international's a cracking little filter, and silent too.

i just need you lot to keep me sane.....i seem to have been forgotton (sulk)

 

[HayzH]

Maybe a better filter would help. What dechlorinator you using,? something not right for sure.

im using Nutrafin Aqua plus.

 

[Tizer]

I just setup a 30 litre fry tank and cycled it in 1 minute. I rulez

 

[mike455555]

I just setup a 30 litre fry tank and cycled it in 1 minute. I rulez

just rub it in ;p mature media?

 

[CezzaXV]

Are you definitely using enough dechlor? That's the only thing I can think of.

 

[Tizer]

I just setup a 30 litre fry tank and cycled it in 1 minute. I rulez

just rub it in ;p mature media?

 

[HayzH]

Are you definitely using enough dechlor? That's the only thing I can think of.

it says 10ml per 40L I've been putting in 20-25ml
it has no rocks/wood/ plants.
I just have to hope and pray the media Blubble is sending me works.

Tizer's middle name is Bluebell ;P