Is This Why My Tank`s Not Cycling?

[maisy12345]

Hi,
i`ve been using API tap water conditioner ,as a dedechlorinator,it states that if you want to[break the chloramine bond ]to use4 drops per 3.8l instead of 1,but for some strange reason i`ve been using 6 drops and stress coat+at each water change [stress coat 30ml]to my 110l,could this be preventing my tank from cycling,and have i harmed my fish?

 

[maisy12345]

Anyone,please?

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

If you under-dechlorinate the tank then this can prevent it from cycling properly, but if you overdose this shouldn't cause a problem to the beneficial nitrifying bacteria (though you should avoid overdosing on the stuff if you can).

 

[This Old Spouse]

You don't have to use both the dechlor and StressCoat. Just StressCoat will do.

 

[maisy12345]

I ve just looked in my tank and there`s also a white coating on the gravel and plants and a white haze in the water ,i think i`ve made a massive mistake?

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

A white haze in the water and filmy coating on the gravel would indicate a bacterial bloom- just cut back on feeding a little bit and increase the regularity of partial water changes and it will pass. Bacterial blooms are quite common in cycling tanks or newly set up tanks.

How long has your tank been set up for, what is its stocking and how have you gone about cycling it?

 

[This Old Spouse]

I'd actually stop feeding for a day, do a large water change (just using the recommended dose of StressCoat) and check your water parameters with a liquid test kit.

 

[maisy12345]

Hi,
originally i started in a 28l,[cycling 3mths],then transferred stock over to a 110l with media from 28l 2 mths ago,i did add a few more fish,stock includes 2 dwarf gouramis,6 corries, 2 pitbull plecos,6 bloodfin tetra,8 glowlight tetra ,shrimp.I check my water daily and if need be do a water change.

Thanks old spouse ,have just done a 70 percent water change and ammonia and nitrite are currently at 0,also only feed every other day anyway.

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

You may simply have too many fish for the tank bioload-wise. Try adding a second filter to the tank and i'm sure that will improve things a lot .

 

[maisy12345]

Ive never heard this said before,the second filter wouldn`t be cycled though,would this cause a problem /?

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

Ive never heard this said before,the second filter wouldn`t be cycled though,would this cause a problem /?

No, the beneficial bacteria that has established itself to some degree would simply also transfer itself to the new filter too, doubling the biological filtration in the tank. A lot of built-in filters which come with tanks like Juwel Aquariums are not very strong and can often only cope well with lightly stocked tanks, and so by adding a back up filter to the tank you can improve the water quality massively. I have secondary/backup filters running in all my tanks . They are also good if your main filter breaks down for whatever reasons, the situation is not half as bad if you have a secondary mature filter running in the tank to help keep the tank running .

 

[maisy12345]

Still think that this is going to cause extra problems ,has anyone else done this?

 

[Louiseness]

Still think that this is going to cause extra problems ,has anyone else done this?

Added another filter? Yes. When I bought my 100L from ebay I got an old Fluval filter with it. Set it up alongside my old filter, which then broke, so I had to do pretty much a whole cycle with the 'new' filter.

It was ok but always prone to clogging and the water parameters were never very stable, plus the circulation round the tank wasn't very strong so there was always waste left on the sand. I just added another filter at the opposite end of the tank and everything's much better.

 

[Smells a bit fishy]

I think moat people run with 2 filters. I know I do, I have an internal and external. As said it's good to have if you one breaks or need to set up a quarantine tank.

 

[StandbySetting]

What filter is on the tank already? Another filter would just result in more flow, the chances of it not being big enough to house enough bacteria are incredibly low. Adding another filter won't alter a thing from a cycling point of view.

Maisy you just need to be patient and continue to do your daily water changes, add mature media if possible, good things come to those who wait and that is the case most of the time in this hobby.