Fishless Cycling Help?

[Glofishgirl]

I have recently started fishless cycling my 10 gallon freshwater aquarium. (Aug 6?) And I was wondering if it was going right... I added 12 drops to get the ammonia up to 5 ppm. I continued adding that everyday, but then it went to 9 ppm. I changed out the water and stopped adding the ammonia, but it remained in the 8 ppm area. A day or two ago, I tested it again and it was around 6 ppm. Is this a normal pace? The nitrite is also still at 0 ppm. I added a small amount of crushed fish food. Anything I can do to speed it up?

 

[Xraymark]

Your ammonia is way too high. There has been alot of discussion lately that there are better results from a low dosage of ammonia.

This is the way I did my last fishless cycle. Initaially dose to 3ppm. I am assuming you have not used any seed media. Then test every couple of days for your ammonia. In reality it may be a few weeks before it drops. Once it zero's redose to 1-2ppm. once that is clearing in a 12hour period up it to 3ppm and then to 4ppm. I added fish at this stage. Only dose once in a 24h period.

The idea behind dosing low for ammonia is help prevent your nitrites getting too high as it takes longer for that type of bacteria to form.

Get your temp up to 28-30C and your ph up 8. You can add bicaronate of soda to raise the ph if necessary. Also just keep an eye on your ph as this can crash and stall your cycle. Just add bicarb again if this happens.

Other people may have other methods. Hope this helps.

 

[Gvilleguy]

Hey glofishgirl - xraymark = correct! If you need more detail, please read over the "do and do not list" thread in my signature. Thanks.

 

[Glofishgirl]

Thank you so much! Any idea where to get the soda?

 

[Xraymark]

Most super markets should have it. Test your Ph first. You may not need it.

 

[Gvilleguy]

If you are in the USA use Arm & Hammer baking soda.

 

[Glofishgirl]

Great! Where would I be without fish forums...

 

[Gvilleguy]

I figured you might be in the US because of your Glo username....I don't think UK folks can buy Glofish...I have four of them.

 

[Glofishgirl]

Yes I am in the USA