Fish Poop

[Xraymark]

As I am in the process of trying to cycle my tank for the second time. Day 18 ammonia at a stagnant 4ppm. First attempt got up to day 36 with no movement so started over again. No access to filter media.

My thoughts turn to how the bacteria involved get into the fish tank. In the past the convention was to do a fish in cycle and I was thinking maybe there is something in fish poop which is benefical to getting the nitrogen cycle going apart from the product of ammonia.

Random thought of the day.

These are the things you think about with this hobby.

 

[BigbruiserAl]

After 36 the should be a fair amount of bacteria even if its not clearing 12hr it should be moving, what the ph of the tank,size and how much ammonia are you adding?

 

[the_lock_man]

Where did you get the ammonia from? When you shake it, does it foam up, like a kids "bubble-stuff" bubble, or do the bubbles disasppear instantly, like it was plain water?

 

[Xraymark]

Second time at it.
Used Kleenoff Household Ammonia 500Ml
Ph 8 with baking soda

I had ammonaia at 2ppm initially and added some fish flakes as other forum members suggested. I even added tetra start(I know) getting desperate.

At Day 14 ammonia dropped to 1ppm but no sign of nitrites. The tank was a slight brown colour so thought maybe algae is absorbing some of the ammonia. Upped the ppm to 4 on day 16.

After fist attempt keeping the ppm at 2 instead of 4 was suggested.
Just a waiting game hence my thoughts on fish poop.

 

[the_lock_man]

What about the foaming thing?

 

[Xraymark]

No the ammonia does not foam or smell. My understanding is that it is 9.5% ammonia and other people have used it to cycle. So in my Rio 180 the water volume is 150 litres and I have added around 7mls of ammonia.

 

[the_lock_man]

No the ammonia does not .... smell.

There must be something in it that is stopping it from smelling - it should smell bloomin' orrible.

I agree that I've heard of people using Kleenoff without problem, but if yours isn't smelling absolutely foul, there's a reason.

 

[waterdrop]

I seem to remember we've had it go both ways with Kleenoff (am I remembering right that Jeyes(?) is the manufacturer?) Some have reported success and others had problems. I thought I also remembered that they made a number of different variations in their household ammonia products. Perhaps some other members can match up your "type" with the Kleenoff they used for further comparison here on the forum.

Your pH sounds good of course. Are you getting good water movement through the filter and on the tank surface? Is your temp cranked up to 29C/84F and lights being left off except when you need to see what you're doing?

While we often see A-Bac activity (ammonia results dropping) in around a week, there have often been cases of this simply not happening for 2 or 3 weeks. Some systems just get off to a slower start.

The two types of beneficial bacteria are widespread throughout the world. It is difficult to have water not containing some of them. Their start in an aquarium comes from the tap or well water used to fill the tank.

~~waterdrop~~

 

[Xraymark]

LOL. By smell I mean there is no fragrance, perfume.

Temp is 28C.
Internal filter agitates surface.

If it doesn't kick off this time I may change my ammonia as the possible problem.

 

[waterdrop]

I agree with the tiny pinch of ground up flake food to add a little complication to the straight ammonia, can't hurt but it's better for it to be tiny so it doesn't smell eventually.

~~waterdrop~~

 

[the_lock_man]

LOL. By smell I mean there is no fragrance, perfume.

Temp is 28C.
Internal filter agitates surface.

If it doesn't kick off this time I may change my ammonia as the possible problem.

That's what I'm getting at - the ammonia should smell disgusting - even if it's odour is neutral, then there's something in there which is neutralising the odour, and that would appear to be what's stopping the bacteria growing.

I reckon a change of ammonia is what you need. I used the Homebase one, others order online from Boots.

 

[Xraymark]

It does smell foul.

What you would expect ammonia to smell.

 

[the_lock_man]

It does smell foul.

What you would expect ammonia to smell.

Sorry, I took your answer to mean it was neutral - it should smell foul.

I do reckon that changing the ammonia would be the best next move.

 

[eaglesaquarium]

Well, if it's good ammonia, it should hurt your lungs if you get a good strong whiff of the stuff... (test me, I know!)


As waterdrop mentioned and you were instructed, a tiny pinch of fish food might open things up a bit.

To address the opening question, where does this bacteria come from, the answer is your tap water. Some tap water has more than others. Some folks around here have had nearly sterile water, and the cycle was exceedingly slow and painful. For others, there is a fair amount in their tap water, and the cycle can proceed with fairly rapid succession. You appear to be in the first category.

If you could somehow get your hands on some mature media (begging your LFS is always an option), you will find a rapid increase in the process. Short of that, continued patience is the most important factor. It will happen... eventually.

 

[Xraymark]

Thanks for all your advice

I've had a fish tank now since August. Several fish deaths due to bottled bacteria and bad LFS advice. Fishless cycling now not as straight forward as I expected. My friends and wife not really understanding my interest in having a fish tank and having a bit of a laugh at the length of time making it happen.

One of the things thats keeps me motivated is this forum and the obvious passion for this complicated hobby.

Keep up the good work