How Long Does It Take?..

[dzsigmond217]

Don''t know if I wrote the topic title right but here's my situation....I transfered some media to another tank I started and must have somehow killed my bacteria in the original tank. For the past week I've been doing many water changes to reduce the ammonia ..It was at 3 ppm and now its around 1ppm or a little lower. When I test for nitrite the readings keep coming up at 0ppm. I also test for nitrate and that seems to be at 0ppm as well.

So my question is this: How long does it take if you have fish in the tank) for the nitrite to start 'growing'?
I'm so frustrated!! Argh!

Thanks so much! Dianne

UPDATE: ok so I saw that the nitrite could take up to 3 weeks to grow. I guess my question now is this: Am I stalling the cycle by doing daily water changes? As stated I do have fish and I don't want them to have to suffer in the ammonia. Also, is it true that by decreasing the temp in the tank it will allow the beneficial bacteria to grow faster? Thanks again!

 

[kj23502]

Don''t know if I wrote the topic title right but here's my situation....I transfered some media to another tank I started and must have somehow killed my bacteria in the original tank. For the past week I've been doing many water changes to reduce the ammonia ..It was at 3 ppm and now its around 1ppm or a little lower. When I test for nitrite the readings keep coming up at 0ppm. I also test for nitrate and that seems to be at 0ppm as well.

So my question is this: How long does it take if you have fish in the tank) for the nitrite to start 'growing'?
I'm so frustrated!! Argh!

Thanks so much! Dianne

UPDATE: ok so I saw that the nitrite could take up to 3 weeks to grow. I guess my question now is this: Am I stalling the cycle by doing daily water changes? As stated I do have fish and I don't want them to have to suffer in the ammonia. Also, is it true that by decreasing the temp in the tank it will allow the beneficial bacteria to grow faster? Thanks again!

It is a frustrating situation. I'm not an expert by any means, but I read that bacteria grow faster if it's warmer!!?? I'm keeping my tank with my cichlids at 80 degrees F right now. I also read that if you have fish in the tank to try to keep levels at .25ppm so as to not stress them soo much. (I remember somthing about when levels are too high then it may be more difficult for the bacteria to grow...I may be wrong). Bacteria will still grow and catch up to the bio load. I hope someone with more experience comes along! Maybe they can help both of us! I have a 125 gallon tank going through a mini-cycle and it's been forever since I had to cycle a tank! I'm thinking of getting biospira. It has bacteria in it to supposedly shorten the cycle and jump start bacteria.

 

[backtotropical]

Hi,

KJ is correct, the bacteria will grow quicker if you raise the temperature, not lower it.

Also, water changes will actually speed up the cycle slightly contrary to popular belief. Keep up your water changes and try to keep ammonia and nitrite below 0.25mg/l.

Cutting back on feeding meantime will also help keep the bio-load low.

Bio-spira will also speed up the cycle if you can get hold of some. It's one of very few so-called 'bacteria populated' solutions which actually work. Be wary of any product claiming to contain the beneficial bacteria required for your tank, which are not refrigerated.

Good luck to both of you, and if you have any more questions, we're always happy to help.

BTT

 

[dzsigmond217]

I haven't changed my temp yet but I searched prior posts and someone stated to lower temp during cycle. I too heard that bacteria grows faster in higher temps. My ammonia was 3ppm daily and now is down to 1ppm daily. I do do water changes to lower it because I know its toxic to fish. I figured since my ammonia was going down that the nitrites would rise but they aren't yet. *sigh* Ok..I'll raise my temp and keep doing water changes twice a day (its good excercise at least!! ) Any more advice or suggestions VERY welcome!
Thanks!! Dianne

 

[backtotropical]

I haven't changed my temp yet but I searched prior posts and someone stated to lower temp during cycle. I too heard that bacteria grows faster in higher temps..so now I'm confused.

Lowering the temp during the cycle will achieve nothing other than delaying it. Whoever suggested it was confused.

My ammonia was 3ppm daily and now is down to 1ppm daily. I do do water changes to lower it because I know its toxic to fish. I figured since my ammonia was going down that the nitrites would rise but they aren't yet. *sigh*

Your ammonia may be going down due to the water changes and not the growth of the bacteria. This is why the water changes are so critical at this stage. The bacteria will catch up in their own time, but just now your fish are relying on your water changes to keep them alive and well.

Keep up the water changes (trying to keep ammonia and nitrite below 0.25mg/l) and you will start to see nitrite soon once your filter has a chance to catch up a little.

You may wish to consider a product like Ammo-Lock meantime which converts the toxic ammonia into less toxic ammonium. The beneficial bacteria will use ammonium the same as ammonia, so this would not affect your cycle. Just a thought.

Do not buy resins or such like which 'adsorb' ammonia as these will negatively impact your cycle, but products which 'detoxify' ammonia are ok.

Please note that these products are not 'necessary' if you keep on top of your water changes, but may help the fish slightly.

Cheers

BTT

 

[dzsigmond217]

Thanks Backtotropical!!! You just answered all my questions! I've been using Ammo-Lock and wasn't sure if that could be effecting my cycle. It was my next question and you nailed it!

You must be a mind reader!