Fishless Cycle - Add & Wait Method

[Little_Nemo]

Dying plant removed, 20% water change complete.

Ammonia still quite high just under the 8.0 PPM - even after a water change, thinking maybe do 50% water change then test again

 

[Skins]

Dying plant removed, 20% water change complete.

Ammonia still quite high just under the 8.0 PPM - even after a water change, thinking maybe do 50% water change then test again

sounds good

 

[Little_Nemo]

Dying plant removed, 20% water change complete.

Ammonia still quite high just under the 8.0 PPM - even after a water change, thinking maybe do 50% water change then test again

sounds good

Did a 60% water change which really helped as my level now sits at 4.0 PPM (The tube on right was before water change)

 

[Skins]

Dying plant removed, 20% water change complete.

Ammonia still quite high just under the 8.0 PPM - even after a water change, thinking maybe do 50% water change then test again

sounds good

Did a 60% water change which really helped as my level now sits at 4.0 PPM (The tube on right was before water change)

Thats better
Next time you have to dose do it very gradule, taking note of how much you add so that for future dosing you will know the right ammount.

Keith.

 

[BIG BAD BARRY]

Bang on advice from Keith.
To get accurate dosing, measure the tank on the inside to your fill level to work out the exact volume. You can then subtract a further 5-10% for the decor.
My personal preference was to dose to 4ppm and that way i had a colour to compare to. If do that, dont forget to change the amount in the desired amount column on the calculator page.
Wait about 30mins after dosing to verify test to allow ammonia to circulate.

 

[Little_Nemo]

So pleased I've managed to sort out the little error that occured last night Just one question, where do I go from here? Do i carry on testing until the ammonia level drops to 0 or 0.25PPM?! Then is it a case of dosing up again to make the level to 4/5PPM?

 

[Whitey_144]

So pleased I've managed to sort out the little error that occured last night Just one question, where do I go from here? Do i carry on testing until the ammonia level drops to 0 or 0.25PPM?! Then is it a case of dosing up again to make the level to 4/5PPM?

so you're jsut starting cycling? you will just need to test every 24hrs to until ammonia is near 0, then top up with another 4ppm. Then wait until back down to 0 and top up to 4ppm...then wait...then top up...you get the idea! lol

once you see it go down to near 0 you should start seeing nitrite appearing and you can also start testing that.

you can see my log on my signature for a rough idea of the time it took to get to 0 then 2nd stage to work. i like to test for everything every now and then, just as a reference for later e.g. PH.

not sure if advised but the optimal temp for cycling is 29degrees and if possible ripple the surface with the outlet of the filter to aid oxgenation.

hope that helps...
good luck!
adam

 

[Little_Nemo]

Date 4.2.11 @ 11.15am - Todays Ammonia Level 4.0 PPM (Slightly lighter in colour)

Mums measuring the level tomorrow and sunday for me as I'm away for the weekend.

 

[Skins]

Date 4.2.11 @ 11.15am - Todays Ammonia Level 4.0 PPM (Slightly lighter in colour)

Mums measuring the level tomorrow and sunday for me as I'm away for the weekend.

Early days Nemo, did you use some mature media?

Keith.

 

[Little_Nemo]

Certainly is early days - it will take it's time which is totally understandable so for the mean time i'm researching more about fishless cycles and checking info about all the types of fish you can get As for mature media I currently have some of my brothers established filter wadding in a space in my filter

 

[Skins]

Certainly is early days - it will take it's time which is totally understandable so for the mean time i'm researching more about fishless cycles and checking info about all the types of fish you can get As for mature media I currently have some of my brothers established filter wadding in a space in my filter

Cool, lets hope it speeds things up.

Keith.

 

[Little_Nemo]

4.2.11 @ 11.15am

Ammonia 4 PPM - slightly lighter in colour

5.2.11 @ 11.15am

Ammonia 4 PPM - darker than yesterday

6.2.11 @ 11.15am

Ammonia 2 PPM

Thoughts on am I doing this correctly - I've noticed people dosing up on ammonia
everytime they've tested the level. My impression was that I needed to wait til it showed 0PPM then re dose to about 4PPM?

 

[Skins]

4.2.11 @ 11.15am

Ammonia 4 PPM - slightly lighter in colour

5.2.11 @ 11.15am

Ammonia 4 PPM - darker than yesterday

6.2.11 @ 11.15am

Ammonia 2 PPM

Thoughts on am I doing this correctly - I've noticed people dosing up on ammonia
everytime they've tested the level. My impression was that I needed to wait til it showed 0PPM then re dose to about 4PPM?

Thats right Nemo wait until it gets to 0.25ppm or lower and then dose back up to 4ppm.

Keith.

 

[Little_Nemo]

I have algae in the form of green mossy type that sits on my rock, and one or two little brown patches on my last remaining plant - the light is now off. The temp is currently sitting at 32'C on the heater. Anything I can do later in my process of getting rid of it? It's not really bothering me at the minute, im more concerned about getting my cycle right. Was thinking when it came to stocking time, to maybe get an algae eater or something

 

[Skins]

I have algae in the form of green mossy type that sits on my rock, and one or two little brown patches on my last remaining plant - the light is now off. The temp is currently sitting at 32'C on the heater. Anything I can do later in my process of getting rid of it? It's not really bothering me at the minute, im more concerned about getting my cycle right. Was thinking when it came to stocking time, to maybe get an algae eater or something

You can clean your algae off anytime it won't effect your cycle. I would be inclined to drop your temp to around 29c with your filter positioned so that its return flow aggitates the waters surface creating a good supply of oxygen, warmer temperatures tend to depleat oxygen levels within the water.

Keith.