Mola Mola - Fishless Cycle Log

[XeroTolerance]

Congrats! I wouldn't re-dose until it reaches 0-.25 ppm. I know its difficult to resist . I myself had to do a 90% water change with a siphon and 1/2 bucket due to my pH dropping to 6.6. Boy, it is really hard work.

 

[Mola Mola]

Congrats! I wouldn't re-dose until it reaches 0-.25 ppm. I know its difficult to resist . I myself had to do a 90% water change with a siphon and 1/2 bucket due to my pH dropping to 6.6. Boy, it is really hard work.

Thanks for the advice, but I have a confession to make. I did re-dose a bit

I only put in 10ml (whereas it took 20ml to get me to 4 ppm), so it probably won't raise it too much, maybe by 2 ppm.

By re-dosing it just made me feel that I was actively doing something...silly, I know. Also, I don't want all my little bacteria starving! Never thought I would feel protective of bacteria!

EDIT: Just took a new ammonia reading, and I reckon it is back up to 4 ppm, which sounds about right, for the amount of ammonia I re-dosed with.

 

[XeroTolerance]

I felt the same way too. Except I learned later that they can go a day or two without ammonia, so that kinda made the "doing" something felling a little less. I also don't feel like doing something after that water change. Whew!

 

[eaglesaquarium]

I understand the feeling regarding the needing to "do" something, but honestly there is very little you can do. But, there are a few things.


#1: temp to 84F
#2: pH 8.0-8.4
#3: increased oxygenation (raising the temp lowers the available oxygen in the water, so increased surface agitation can help to increase the oxygen in the water - lower the water level to create more splashing as the filter drops the water back into the tank)

#4: research, research, research...

Ok, #4 isn't really going to make a difference in the cycle, but it will make a difference to your stocking and your fishkeeping experience.

 

[XeroTolerance]

I feel alot better now. I think I might get the Java fern plant but I'm not sure where to place it. Have any idea from the pic in my sig?

 

[eaglesaquarium]

I would say the back left corner.

Maybe get some java moss to go over the center piece. It looks to "clean" right now.

 

[XeroTolerance]

Thats a good idea! Wow I been looking at my tank for 5 minutes and havn't found a thing .

Could I use fishing line to tie it to the fake pice of driftwood? Will the roots "stick" to the decoration after a while? Thanks again for your help.

 

[Fishy friend2]

i think they will because i have bought plants on driftwood and when the roots grow i think they would get in the nooks and crannies of the driftwood then root

 

[XeroTolerance]

Ok Eagle... after doing some research I HAVE TO BUY SOME JAVA FERN! I can't wait too get it in my tank! I hate when this happens to me...

Thanks though for the recommendation! I cant wait! . I think I'll put it on my driftwood thing. On the left hand side. Down by the rock that sticks out of it. That's where I'll tie it on. Than when it gets big I'll get some where it will look best.

I might get a fake plant to put by the filter though.

 

[Mola Mola]

I understand the feeling regarding the needing to "do" something, but honestly there is very little you can do. But, there are a few things.

#1: temp to 84F
#2: pH 8.0-8.4
#3: increased oxygenation (raising the temp lowers the available oxygen in the water, so increased surface agitation can help to increase the oxygen in the water - lower the water level to create more splashing as the filter drops the water back into the tank)

#4: research, research, research...

Ok, #4 isn't really going to make a difference in the cycle, but it will make a difference to your stocking and your fishkeeping experience.

Thanks, I appreciate that advice. As for the tank, the temp is currently 29C (which I think is almost exactly 84F), and the pH was 8.2 when I tested last night (I tested after re-dosing). Also, the water level has dropped a bit, and so I do seem to be getting good surface agitation. I had actually planned to top it up, but I will leave it now, to fit with your advice.

As for the research, yes, I definitely need to get cracking on that. The tank is really mainly for my kids so one of the main aims is to get a good mix of fish that are interesting for kids.

Thanks again.

I felt the same way too. Except I learned later that they can go a day or two without ammonia, so that kinda made the "doing" something felling a little less. I also don't feel like doing something after that water change. Whew!

Ah, I didn't realise that they could go a day or two without ammonia. That makes me feel more comfortable about leaving the tank alone.

Thanks for that.

 

[XeroTolerance]

No problem but if you can you still should dose. Just remember to dose when it is at 0 - .25.

 

[Mola Mola]

Day 15

ammonia - 1.5 ppm
nitrite - 5 ppm
nitrate - 100 ppm

Well, even though I dosed the ammonia back up to 4 ppm last night, it is back down to 1.5 today, nitrite seems about the same (a little darker), but nitrate has gone up considerably to about 100 ppm.

Getting excited now!

EDIT: I thought that I better check the pH too. It has come down a bit from 8.2 to 7.9, but I think that is still well within the safe range.

 

[eaglesaquarium]

Lower your ammonia dosing now to 2-3 ppm. You are squarely in phase two of the cycle (the nitrite spike). When nitrite hits zero again (the beginning of phase three) start to raise your ammonia dose back up again.

 

[Mola Mola]

Lower your ammonia dosing now to 2-3 ppm. You are squarely in phase two of the cycle (the nitrite spike). When nitrite hits zero again (the beginning of phase three) start to raise your ammonia dose back up again.

Thanks eagle. Just so I am clear, you mean that when I raise the ammonia back-up I should only raise it to 2-3 ppm, rather than 4-5 ppm. Is that right?

Thanks again.

 

[eaglesaquarium]

Yes, when redosing, you want to put it up to 2-3ppm instead of 4-5 ppm for the duration of phase two (the nitrite spike). Then, slowly raise it back up during phase three (after nitrite falls back to zero).