"leave the rockwool on" Oops

[Idris]

I set up my (first ever) aquarium, then stated reading that I should have left the rockwool on the plants for cycling the tank.
Assuming the rockwool was the white sponge wraped around the roots and then wrapped with lead, then I'd already taken it off and thrown it away. (If not I don't think I got any.)

How bad a screw-up was this and will I get away with it? At the moment, the plants are the only thing that's come directly from another tank.

And whilst I'm about it ...
I keep reading about nitrite "spike", but what does that actually mean. I know what nitrites are, and I did A-level chemistry, so I assume it's an increase in nitrite concentration, but is it just anything above zero.

 

[emma12321]

Take a look at the pinned topic (how to do a fishless cycle) in the FAQ at the top of the page. This will tell you everything you need to know about the cycle. The plants themselves may speed up the cycle. It shouldn't be a problem thet you removed the wool.

Hope this helps

Emma

 

[Idris]

Thanks Emma
I've read so much on cycling that my eyes are starting to bleed, but I'm still not entirely sure what a "spike" is though.
Best I can tell is that nitrites and/or ammonia level will rise and then fall, but as for how much and how quickly, I'm still guessing.
(Had to read about a dozen article to find one that didn't just say "spike". See sig.)

 

[playfulalliecat]

It's when they show the highest reading. The amount I think will vary depending on how much ammonia there is to start with. Ammonia content will be controlled by what you put in or if you have fish, how much waste they put out.

Don't get discouraged. You're one up on a lot of us with a chemistry background. I only know what the tests tell me. The basis of the cycle, is ammonia starts going up, then as nitrites go up, the ammonia goes back down to 0. Nitrites start going up and as nitrates rise, nitrites fall off. That's the layman's terminology! LOL

 

[Dubby]

Idris:

You are correct! A spike is as the name suggests - a very rapid increase in concentration. In case you are doing a fishless cycle then the increase will not matter. But if you have fish then depending on the species, they can tolerate different levels of nitrites, ammonia & nitrates. Most fish do not tolerate ammonia or nitrites very well (even small amounts).

Hope this helps.

PS: You have mentioned another tank... If you get some gravel from it and add it to your tank it should help it cycle faster.

 

[Matt_northants]

In a FW you should NEVER cycle with fish, use one of the many products available, such as Nutrafins Cylce, or using gunk from another tanks filter.

All you need to do is set up the tank with substrate, plants and other decor. Turn the heater lights and filter on and start to "feed your tank" ammonia. This can be from fish food, a prepared chemical or urine. The fisrt option is the best in my opinion, though it takes slighty longer and the last is the worst as it stinks! Once you have a measurable amount of ammonia in your tank use your cylcing agent as directed by the manufacturer, whilst still feeding your tank.

Then start to test your tank every day for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate. The ammonia should begin to decrease as the nitrite increases. Then as the nitrate starts to increase the nitrite will decrease. Once both the ammonia and nitrite hold consistent values of 0 you can think about adding fish to your tank. If the nitrate is reading over 20ppm do a 25% water change first.

To keep nitrate levels low do a weekly water change of 10% with reminarilsed RO water and use heavy planting, this should also keep phosphate levels low, if it doesn't use a remover like RowaPhos.

Its important to keep nitrate and phosphate levels low to ensure you dont get any unsightly algae. And dont forget to test for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate once a week to ensure that your filter is coping with the fishes bioload.