Nearly cycled I think....

[Jimmy Twotimes]

My 35 gallon tank had massive ammonia levels for around 8-9 days and was way off the chart. But all of a sudden 2 days ago, it went to zero levels.

So I tried to get it up to 3-5ppm while nitrites were still showing, but I cant do it! I put in 10ml of ammonia (9.5% ammonia solution) and the next day it still shows as zero....

Do I assume that by adding 10ml, I have a good bed of bacteria eating the stuff up and that as soon as nitrites disappear I can add fish???

Or do I have to add more ammonina? I think 10ml is quite a lot and if it is capable of dealing with that much then how many of my prospective fish could I add in one go??

Any help appreciated.

Jimmy

Hoping to get:

6 Zebra Danios
6 Kuhli Loaches
3-4 Platys
3-4 Guppies
1 Swordtail

 

[semper fi]

once the ammonia is zeroed out you want to maintain the zero level. the nitrites will rise and then zero while the nitrates rise and then zero. at this point the tank is considered cycled. if your ammonia has risen and then zeroed, keep it there. do not add any more ammonia to the tank.

 

[Jimmy Twotimes]

I was under the impression I had to keep adding ammonia to feed the bacteria untill I actually added fish...my mistake!

So how many of my wanted fish do u think I can add in one hit...?

Cheers Friends.

Jimmy

35 Gallon Tank

Hoping to get:

6 Zebra Danios
6 Kuhli Loaches
3-4 Platys
3-4 Guppies
1 Swordtail

 

[Mamaschild]

First of all, NitrAtes will not peak, then go to zero. You should always have NitrAtes in your tank. If not, something may be wrong??? They should, however, be kept to a minimum of 20, or less if possible. Some places have NitrAtes in their water so that may not be possible. Ammonia and NitrIte will peak then go to zero, and that is exactly what you want them to do.

And, if Jimmy stops adding ammonia before he has any fish, what will the bacteria eat If they have no food, they will die, causing the tank to recycle.

Looking over your "wish list", I would start with the Danios. They are about the hardiest on your list and should be best to start with. I at one time had that combination, without the Kuhlis (bummer, they are so cool ) They should all get along great, at least mine did. Danios can be too fast for some fish and make them skittish, but not the ones on your list.

So, start with them. 6 should be no problem. Then wait at least 3 weeks to let the bacteria get used to the load before you add any more. Then go with some of the livebearers. Wait another 3 weeks, then add a few more Livebearers. I would wait to get the Kuhlis last as I believe they are more sensative.

Hope that helps

 

[Jimmy Twotimes]

Thanks Mama!

I was sure I had to keep adding ammonia cos I'm not ready to add fish and nitrItes are still showing.......

So will keep adding 10-11ml of ammonia till nitrItes are zero, ammonia is zero and nitrAtes are showing.....Will do water change if the nitrAtes are over 25ppm.

Will take your advice and get 6 danios if tank is ready by weekend...

Cant wait!!

Thanks again.

Jimmy.

 

[Lithril]

If there isn't any fish in the tank you won't need to do a water change to get the nitrates down until the cycling is finished (Or unless you get algae problems) water changes will just slow down the cycling process.

 

[Mamaschild]

Lithril, I believe that's kind of a half truth. Once Jimmy is over the hump, so to speak, and is getting high NitrAtes, a water change is fine. He will not want to add fish to a tank with NitrAtes at 100 anymore then with ammonia still showing. Doing a water change then should not affect much if anything.

Yes, he CAN wait until after the NitrItes go to zero, but then it may take 2 or 3 water changes to get control of the NitrAtes, and no fish until after that. You really don't want to do one any earlier, but what Jimmy has planned is fine.

Another option for you. Jimmy is to add a few plants now. They will start eating up the NitrAtes for you, and you may not even have to worry about it.

Keep up the good work, Jimmy. Your doing fine. Now you just have to be patient......not my strong point, that's for sure

 

[Jimmy Twotimes]

Thanks again Mama nice to know I'm on the right tracks...!

Will do a big water change once I'm ready to add fish.

Jimmy.

 

[Lithril]

Mama doing water changes at any stage in the process is ok it just extends the process by watering down the ammonia and nitrites in the tank, hence the bacteria has less so will not multiply as fast. If you leave it till the nitrites are 0 then you can safetly do between a 70 & 90% water change before you put the fish in the tank, this will bring the nitrates in spec.

 

[krazitrain]

So don't do water changes?

I'm cycling and my ammonia levels are staying at zero for over a week now. I add daily ammonia. My nitrites are still off the chart though. I thought doing water changes would help lower them? I've done 2 20% h2o changes. Algae is starting to grow...and I want fish!!!

 

[Lithril]

When I was cycling my last tank I had to do a waterchange after a couple of weeks for the same reason - turned out I was adding a LOT more ammonia than is recommended and the bacteria just couldn't cope.

 

[krazitrain]

I'll try adding less ammonia daily.