Fishless Cycle - Is It Going Ok?

[KCB]

I just wanted to make sure my fishless cycle is progressing how it should, so here's the log I've been keeping:

Day 1 - Ammonia 4ppm
Day 2 - Ammonia 4ppm
Day 3 - Ammonia 4ppm
Day 4 - Ammonia 4ppm
Day 5 - Ammonia 2ppm, nitrite 5ppm, nitrate 40ppm
Day 6 - Ammonia 1ppm
Day 7 - Ammonia 1ppm
Day 8 - Ammonia 1ppm, nitrite 5ppm
Day 9 - Ammonia 1ppm
Day 10 - Ammonia 1ppm, nitrite 5ppm, nitrate 40ppm
Day 11 - Ammonia 0.5ppm, nitrite 5ppm

Do these readings look good? I added some Zyme+ yesterday (day 10) because I've heard good reviews about it and I thought it might help speed up the process. Also, on average, how long does it take for the nitrite levels to drop?

Thank you

 

[Gvilleguy]

Hi KCB, looks okay to me. The nitrite phase of your cycle, on average, can take up to twice as long as the ammonia phase.

What are your pH and temperature levels? The bacteria that you want to grow prefer the temp to be 29C/84F. And a pH up in the 8.0 range will also encourage the little dudes.

I ask about pH because if it drops to the 6.4 o 6.0 range, then your cycle is going to stall, and bacteria growth will slow down greatly.

 

[KCB]

Out of the tap my pH is 8.0, but I heard the cycling process can throw off the pH of the tank water so I haven't tested that. Is it worth testing do you think?

My heater is permanently set to 26C but the thermometer is reading 24C. I'm thinking of changing the heater though so I can alter the temp.

 

[Gvilleguy]

The tank will still cycle at that temp. I don't want you to needlessly spend money.

I would recommend testing pH if it's not a problem for you. Just periodically to make sure it has not dropped too low for the cycling to be effective.

 

[RossC]

Looks fine is this your first cycle?

 

[KCB]

Ok thank you for your help Gville

And yep this is my first cycle.

 

[RossC]

I bet your itching to get some fish in there I know what I was like when I did my 1st lol

 

[Gvilleguy]

I'm STILL bad about it. I'm just finishing up cycling a 6.6 gallon, and it takes a lot of restraint to not stock early!

 

[KCB]

It's taking all of my will power not to buy any fish! It's especially frustrating when I go to buy pet supplies and all I can do is stare at them . But I just keep telling myself it'll be worth it.

But I'm still hopeful the zyme+ will get things moving a bit .