Idbarnett's 10G Fishless Cycle (Add & Wait)

[idb1981]

Hi,

Here's my fishless cycle log from my 10 gallon tank, no starting bacteria just good old add and wait. PH 8 and temp 28c.

Week 1
13/6- 2.4-4ppm Amm
14/6- 2.4-4ppm Amm
15/6- 2.4-4ppm Amm
16/6- 2.4-4ppm Amm
17/6- 2.4-4ppm Amm, 0.1ppm Nitrite (Confirmed 0 out of tap)
18/6- 2.4ppm Amm, 0.1ppm Nitrite
19/6- 2.4ppm Amm, 0.1ppm Nitrite
20/6- 2.4ppm Amm, 0.1ppm Nitrite

Week 2
21/6- 2.4ppm Amm, 0.1ppm Nitrite, 5ppm Nitrate (not confirmed Nitrate out of tap)
22/6- 2.4ppm Amm, 0.1ppm Nitrite, Nitrate not tested
23/6- 2.4ppm Amm, 0.3ppm Nitrite, Nitrate not tested, PH 7, temp 28c
24/6- 2.4ppm Amm, Nitrite not tested, Nitrate not tested, PH nearer 8 (added 3/4 teaspoon of Bicarbonate of Soda).

 

[OldMan47]

That looks to be a typical new filter start you have going. Just stay with it and things should work out for you.

 

[waterdrop]

Once a week or so you'll want to re-confirm the pH and temp and log it. WD

 

[idb1981]

Thanks, I'll check the PH tomorrow when I test. Good to know things are progressing normally.

 

[idb1981]

It seems I've dropped a whole 1PH, do I need to do a water change or leave things alone? Also is it normal for the ammonia level to stay the same as it has, I was expecting it have dropped further by now?

 

[OldMan47]

When you have dropped all the way from pH 8.0 to pH 7.0, you are a long way toward having a serious pH crash. It can be offset during a cycle by merely adding some bicarbonate of soda, baking soda. Please do not confuse that with baking powder which is another thing completely.

 

[idb1981]

When you have dropped all the way from pH 8.0 to pH 7.0, you are a long way toward having a serious pH crash. It can be offset during a cycle by merely adding some bicarbonate of soda, baking soda. Please do not confuse that with baking powder which is another thing completely.

Thanks OldMan.

I got hold of some Bicarbonate of Soda at the local Tesco's on the way home, added 3/4 teaspoon and PH seems nearer 8 again. Hoping this will allow the cycle to continue as it looks like it stalled due to the drop in PH & likely KH. I'll keep my eye on PH, Ammonia & Nitrite over the weekend and dose bicarb/Ammonia as needed.

Hoping things pick up now.

One quick question if I use this tank for species that like the temp around 22c is there going to be any negative impact on the bacteria once I turn the temp down (once the cycle completes)?

 

[JoshuaA]

Our pH held perfectly at 8 after using Bi-Carb even though previously our pH crashed regularly on 3 day intervals. We tested our pH pretty much every day. Only one dose ever needed for us.

I don't believe you will have a problem changing the temperature, all you are doing at the moment is trying to create optimal conditions for reproduction of the bacteria. However we know it exists in coldwater and warm water, though it takes long to reproduce in lower temperatures.

For reassurance, Our tank was 3 degrees less than when it was cycling so it works fine for us