Nitrites Clear (Finally)

[Kevros]

Morning all,

I'm currently doing my fishless cycle (about 6 weeks in), my Nitrites finally dropped to 0 on Sunday so i then upped my ammonia dosing to 5ppm - 11.63 ml (221 ltr tank) and started checking every 12 hours but making sure that i only dose up every 24 hours. Now am i meant to be waiting for my Nitrites to drop to zero within 24 hours before topping up ammonia? Or is it a case of topping up the ammonia every 24 hours until my readings drop to 0 in 12 hours? Cheers!

 

[CezzaXV]

You'll need to keep dosing ammonia every 24 hours (as long as it's zero) to keep those bacteria fed.

I know how it feels, I'm in exactly the same stage in my cycle as you. It's great when you get your first 0 for nitrite, but then it feels like you're going backwards with off the chart readings once you up your ammonia dosage again.

 

[Kevros]

You'll need to keep dosing ammonia every 24 hours (as long as it's zero) to keep those bacteria fed.

I know how it feels, I'm in exactly the same stage in my cycle as you. It's great when you get your first 0 for nitrite, but then it feels like you're going backwards with off the chart readings once you up your ammonia dosage again.

Exactly what i was thinking! I thought bonus when it dropped on Sunday but i knew that once i dosed up the ammonia that the levels would go up again! I'm just dosing up every 24 hours still but with 5ppm rather than 3ppm, i checked this morning and the Nitrites were a dark pink but not as dark as i thought so maybe there is something going on there, just waiting it out still! But at least i know my cycle hasn't stalled which is what i was thinking!
Oh and thanks for the ornament by the way, received it yesterday

 

[Aqua Tom]

You'll need to keep dosing ammonia every 24 hours (as long as it's zero) to keep those bacteria fed.

I know how it feels, I'm in exactly the same stage in my cycle as you. It's great when you get your first 0 for nitrite, but then it feels like you're going backwards with off the chart readings once you up your ammonia dosage again.

Exactly what i was thinking! I thought bonus when it dropped on Sunday but i knew that once i dosed up the ammonia that the levels would go up again! I'm just dosing up every 24 hours still but with 5ppm rather than 3ppm, i checked this morning and the Nitrites were a dark pink but not as dark as i thought so maybe there is something going on there, just waiting it out still! But at least i know my cycle hasn't stalled which is what i was thinking!
Oh and thanks for the ornament by the way, received it yesterday

You are doing everything by the book. Dont worry, you are now in the closing stages.