Failed Fishless Cycle

[Mikaila31]

I can't remember when I started this cycle but about 2 weeks ago the tank was able to remove 5ppm of ammonia in 16hrs. I was shooting for it to remove 5ppm of ammoina in 8hrs. So I added about 3 times the amount I normally added and let it sit, I tested it about once every 1-2 days. After 2 weeks the ammonia level didn't drop so I did a 60% water change. After the water change I had 2ppm of ammonia left. I added some until it was about 5ppm, that was last night its been 16hrs and I still have a ammonia reading of 5ppm. My nitrite reading is 0ppm, does this mean that my cycle somehow crashed?

 

[rdd1952]

I think when you raised it up to 15 ppm (3 times the normal amount), you stopped the nitrifying process as the ammonia level was too high. In the time you waited before doing the water change, I'm sure all the bacteria you had developed died off so you are back to square one. You really don't ever want the ammonia to go off the chart high. First, it can overwhelm any bacteria that are present and second, you can't see if it is changing or not.

 

[Underwurlde]

The key to a cycle is, above all else, is patience!

If you expect it to take about two MONTHS, then you won't be disappointed if it *only* takes 6 weeks....

GL

Andy

 

[doresy]

The key to a cycle is, above all else, is patience!

If you expect it to take about two MONTHS, then you won't be disappointed if it *only* takes 6 weeks....

GL

Andy

That's a very good tip to follow........I've been going for about 5 weeks, can loose 6ppm ammonia in 24 hours and nitrite is down from off the scale to 1ppm

 

[cheesy feet]

That must be a dissapointment.
It's strange though.I know ammonia and nitrite can easily kill and harm fish yet i ahve never done a fishless cycle and the fish seem to take it pretty well.I use my guppies normally or hardy fish.Much quicker

 

[Underwurlde]

Sorry, gotta say it but mate, that's pretty poor advice really.....

and the fish seem to take it pretty well

erm, how do you know that?

Andy

 

[Miss Wiggle]

I think when you raised it up to 15 ppm (3 times the normal amount), you stopped the nitrifying process as the ammonia level was too high. In the time you waited before doing the water change, I'm sure all the bacteria you had developed died off so you are back to square one. You really don't ever want the ammonia to go off the chart high. First, it can overwhelm any bacteria that are present and second, you can't see if it is changing or not.

i agree (as per usual) with rdd