How Much Longer Do I Need To Cycle?

[Ilya]

I've been like a month already. And my NitrIte is HUGE. Should I do a water change? Haven't done one yet... Oh, and I've got some NitrAte already being made.

 

[rowdyburns21]

Youre in the second stage of your cycle, remember it takes roughly twice as long for bacteria to multiply when dealing with nitrite, keep adding ammonia and keep the faith till ammonia and nitrite are going to zero then do a big water change for your nitrates!

 

[rdd1952]

If you only have "some" nitrate, you have a ways to go yet. By the time you are finished, the nitrate will be way off the chart. If it is still measurable, then very little nitrite is being processed. How much and how often are you adding ammonia?

 

[Ilya]

I have a ton. I took it to 3 pet stores, and they measured about 300 (ppm?) of nitrIte. And there is about a good amount of NitrAte.

 

[backtotropical]

Just keep adding ammonia like you have been. Its just a waiting game. Dont do a water change until ammonia and nitrite are both 0.

Have you tried turning your heater up a bit? This will speed up the process.

 

[Ilya]

Do I need a heater? My water temp is constantly around 79 degrees. And I checked my levels at the LFS today, NitrAte and NitrIte are through the roof!

 

[backtotropical]

No, 79 is fine. You wont need a heater. I'm not so lucky, I have scottish weather to contend with. A heater is a must for me.

 

[rdd1952]

The heater would definitely speed things up. For cycling and bacteria reproduction, upper 80s to low 90s is best. Just like most bacteria, nitrifying bacteria reproduce faster at higher temps. As mentioned, keep adding ammonia and if you don't have test kits, it would be a very worthwhile investment. A good liquid API master kit will be less than $40. But stay away from strips as they are terribly inaccurate.