Length Of The Cycle

[ShadowedSin]

I'm currently doing a Fish-In Cycle, and I'm wondering about the time line.

Quick facts, 10 gallons or more of the water was originally from my established 45 gallon tank.

The water in general has been exposed via established plant media.

I changed the filter a week through, but not the gravel. I was originally doing a fishless cycle, but I spoke to the guys at the LFS (clarks a die hard fish keeping store) and they suggested some feeder fish.

So far none of the feeder guppies have perish and they seem to be doing well.

My Nitrates, Ammonia and Nitrites were registering I believe a mid to high level.

The store clerks suggest waiting 2 weeks, my dad who use to breed fish since he was a kid says the tank should be okay by this weeks end.

I'm really just looking for feedback to get a bigger view on the situation.

 

[ellena]

There's a pinned thread on this at the top of the forum, but you should be doing larger water changes to get the ammonia and nitrites down to 0ppm. Not until they are staying down ontheir own are you OK to add more fish.
Because you've chosen to use live fish as your ammonia source, you have the added responsibility of their welfare as the tank cycles.

 

[ShadowedSin]

I'm doing 5 gallon nightly water changes this week, using rain water.

Now I can use my tap water, but it's pretty high in PH and I'm still trying to lower my PH in general.