Is My Tank Cycled

[robodan]

Well I have been prepared for the long run, i'm doing a cycle with fish in (dont Balk, didnt know of the alternative!!) for 9 days now and it would appear that my levels have settled.

I have liquid test kit

Am 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 5ppm

I am astonished as i was fully expecting it to take 3-4 weeks at least

 

[Amunet]

9 days seems like an aweful short time. I'd hold off on getting any more fish.
Keep checking the readings, and I guess if there is still no ammonia or nitrite and nitrate goes up (give it a week or so to make sure)... then it's cycled *shrugs*


I'm sure someone more well informed will be able to help you more heh

 

[robodan]

would be sat at the earliest before i can even attemot to get more fish, also lfs will want to tcheck water too.

if Am & Nitrite stay at 0 and Nitrate goes up then i will be gobsmacked!!! but very pleased

 

[Underwurlde]

How many fish are you currently cycling with, and how many do you plan on getting?

IF your filter is indeed cycled, then it will be cycled to the level of fish you have in there now, i.e. the ammount of ammonia (i.e. food) present.
So... if you have say 3 fish in there, DON'T suddenly bung 30 more in there!
When cycling with fish, unlike cycling without, you must now stock up gradually.... so avoid those buy 4 fish, get one free deals!

Andy

 

[robodan]

have 6 danios at the moment, and i fully understand the need to add one or two at a time max

 

[doresy]

Hi, try a water test on your tap water to see the nitrate level in that.

I hate the idea of a tank cycling in nine days with fish Every NUB will be trying it

Truthfully I'm sceptical and would suggest further monitoring/testing before adding more fish

 

[hollyp0p]

Well I have been prepared for the long run, i'm doing a cycle with fish in (dont Balk, didnt know of the alternative!!) for 9 days now and it would appear that my levels have settled.

I have liquid test kit

Am 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 5ppm

I am astonished as i was fully expecting it to take 3-4 weeks at least

My tank has been set up now for just over 4 weeks, i used a liquid bacteria to kick start my cycling, the tank went for 2 weeks without fish, then I added my 6 danios....a week later I started checking levels, ammonia and nitrite were both 0 (not sure on nitrate).....and then added 5 baby tetra.
Yesterday was a week since the tetra went in and my second 25% water change, the levels beforehand were the same as yours now....Am 0, Nitrite 0 and Nitrate was probably about 7ppm.
My pH was a bit high but I have since sorted that yesterday with a mixture that sets the level at pH 7 for community tanks

I am not planning to add anymore fish this week, but my betta will be my last fish and as long as levels are ok I intend to get him next week after the next partial water change


horray for fishes!

 

[robodan]

Am still 0
Nitrite on the rise .25
Nitrate still 5

Nitrate was 0 all the way throuhg untill recently so no need to test tap water.

As nitrite on the rise no fish this week, wont be back till next saturday!!