NEW TANK

[SHANTYMAID]

Hiya all i have been cycling a new tank for the last 3 weeks now (it's a fishless cycle). I have added from my well establised tank, gravel, half of the water, filter has also being cleaned with the tank water. The problem at the moment is that i havent a lighting unit for it, that will be remedied in the next fortnight.
When could i add my mollys i dont like to think of them being in the dark so to speak, and that is if my tank is ready anyway!!!!!.
Common sense is telling me to wait until i have the lighting unit, and then the tank would have being running for 5 weeks would that be long enough for my bio?. I have tested water parameters anyway and they are all at 0 ph is 7.
Some people might say why test the water if there is'nt any fish but i have read in one of my books that a fishless cycle, does create an ammonia spike. For the life of me i cannot see how, it's all very confusing when you read one book then another that gives completely different advice.
So any input would be gratfully recieved
Best wishes Shanna

 

[daza]

A fishless cycle creates and ammonia spike because you add the ammonia to the tank to do the cycle.

What is your source of ammonia? How much are you adding each day? You do need to test the water during the fishless cycle every day or two so that you can see when the ammonia and nitrite rises and falls again.

Have a look at the link in my sig for an idea of what happens.

Once cycled, the fish should be fine without a light until you can add one. They will probably be getting some ambient light anyway? If you are adding plants then leave them until you get the lighting sorted.