Fishless Cycle Question...

[B2k2]

Hi,

I started my tank with a fishless cycle on 29th september so I am now 14 days into it. I first added enough ammonia to bring it up to about 5ppm, after 6 days the ammonia dropped and nitrite was starting to appear. On the 7th day ammonia was down to 0ppm and Nitrite was at the top of the scale. I have been adding ammonia every day since to about 2ppm and by the next day it has been down to 0ppm but nitrites have stayed high. Yesterday I added double amount of ammonia to see if this would speed things up but again today ammonia was 0ppm and nitrite high.

My question is will nitrite suddenly be 0ppm over night or will it take a little while to drop off? if so roughly how long do you think this is going to take?

I know fish keeping is all about patience but I'm just bursting to get some fish now.

 

[Bloo]

Not sure if you've seen this example graph on the Nitrogen Cycle ? All tanks vary but it might give you a good idea of what you are experiencing

I'm sure you can't WAIT too add those fish, but just be patient ! lol you and your new fish will be very greatful for that !

 

[rdd1952]

It will almost drop over night. The reason it takes longer for the nitrite to drop is that you are basically adding more nitrite every day (you add ammonia which is transformed into nitrite). The general rule is that the nitrite takes about twice as long to drop as did the ammonia. So if your ammonia dropped in 7 days, the nitrite should drop in about 14 more.

 

[modernhamlet]

It will almost drop over night. The reason it takes longer for the nitrite to drop is that you are basically adding more nitrite every day (you add ammonia which is transformed into nitrite). The general rule is that the nitrite takes about twice as long to drop as did the ammonia. So if your ammonia dropped in 7 days, the nitrite should drop in about 14 more.

I agree. For me, the nitrite usually shows one day of measurable, but not 0 levels before it is gone altogether. It looks like your cycle is proceeding normally.

 

[Silverlady]

Hi,B2k2.Dont be disheartened ,it realy does happen all at once.

 

[yvez9]

the bacteria that feed on nitrites are slower to reproduce than the ammina bacteria. it takes a while for them to show up and then to process all the nitrites

 

[B2k2]

Thanks peeps I was a bit worried that my cycle had stalled cus I've read that other people have experienced this. Looks like it should be ready by next weekend, got my eye on some long finned white cloud minnows. Hopefully they'll be mine very soon!

I guess I've still got to learn the most valuable leason from this hobby and that is patience.. Also gotta stop looking at fish and torturing myself lol!