fishless cycling

[AlexsDaddy]

I know, I know, another question, but I can't ever seem to be able to find information with any searches. Anyway, been fishless cycling a 10 gal. I keep testing it every day for nitrates and nitrites. The last couple days I have been getting nitrAtes, but no nitrItes. Did I just maybe miss the nitrIte spike and my tank is now cycled? It's been going about 2 weeks, and I added a filter from an established tank 4 or 5 days ago. Thanks in advance!

 

[Becca]

Here's a great way to test if your tank is completely cycled:

1) Add the same amount of Ammonia that you have been adding daily to your tank.
2) IMMEDIATELY - test the tank to make sure that you have Ammonia levels.
3) In 24 hours, test the tank again to make sure you have 0 Ammonia, 0 Nitrite and a nice amount of Nitrates.

If this happens, then your cycle is complete. What you basically want your tank to be able to do is break down ammonia (fish waste) and turn it into Nitrates within a 24 hour period.

If you're looking for more info on fishless cycling, I did an article write-up for my personal site when I fishless cycled my 75, 30 and 20-Longs a few months ago. Check it out here: http/www.becscorner.com/fish/articles/fishlesscycling.htm

 

[shrks1fan]

If you added an established filter from another tank, then yes, it is probably cycled...but do what the above poster said just to confirm.

Linda

 

[AlexsDaddy]

Well, I just tested my ammonia levels before doing what Becca said, and I cam up with about .5 ppms so I guess it isn't cycled after all.