Starting Fishless Cycle Thread

[backtotropical]

Yes, good for you Annie. To be honest, I don't think it matters whether nitrite is processing in 12 or 13 hours. I'd say you're pretty much there.

It's just a case of keeping adding ammonia for another 7 days, and if you are getting 0-0 after 12 hours (or even 13 hours), you're ready to add fish.

Keep up the good work.

BTT

 

[waterdrop]

Yes, good point BTT, and she's unlikely to be super-heavy stocking right from the beginning anyway, right Annie?

 

[Miss Wiggle]

yeah i know we aim for 12 hrs but i also think if it's doing it in 13/14 hours you'd most likely be OK anyway.

 

[anniekins]

Day 49. Readings at 12 hrs, Ammonia 0 Nitrite 0.25 Nitrate 5 PH 6.8/7.0, one hour later Nitrite 0

Thanks for all your comments today, fish have already arrived (present from hubby) in the form of peelable plastic ones stuck on the outside of the tank! I think he is making the point about looking at an empty tank, don't you? Your comments have got me really excited at the prospect of having fish in the tank fairly soon! Your right WD the stocking will be light to start with, I've no intention on overstocking at all. It's such a good thought to be near the end now.

Will carry on adding ammonia each day for the next week to see if everything remains stable then, if all goes well, it will be that long awaited trip to the LFS for.............no, not another algae scrapper or large net but .........................fish!!! Will keep you posted in my usual gracious manner.

 

[paulbr1]

Looking good, you know when you send a postcard from your holiday saying wish you were here - well I wish I was I am on day 18....

I have been watching your and other peoples progress and hoping I don't get a stall.

Anyway have you decided what you are stocking as yet, I have been doing the research but can't decide myself?

Paul.

 

[anniekins]

Hi Paul,
welcome to the cycling brigade! You are in the right place for all the guidance and support you need, without the help from the members on the forum and the pinned topics I would never have cycled my tank correctly at all. Listen to me, I'm already talking as though it is over and not still in the last stages! It can seem a long wait but you will get there and I'm sure we will both be pleased and relieved when we do eventually get those longed for fish.

As for stocking I definately would like some Harlequin Rasboras and Julii Cory to start with, then, at a later stage when everything has settled, I would like to introduce a slightly larger species but not sure yet as to what, as my tank is not too big.

Good luck with your cycle, I will be looking for your thread and watch your progress with interest, but do remember to be patient especially towards the end!

 

[waterdrop]

Our Harlequins have been the best fish in the tank (well, I just happen to like their colors so much..) and were in there right from the day of the big water change along with the danios.

~~waterdrop~~

 

[Miss Wiggle]

yup harlequins are one of my favourites as well

hoping to get a nice big shoal when we restock our tank when we get to move back to our own home! (only about 3 weeks now guys touch wood)

 

[waterdrop]

yup harlequins are one of my favourites as well

hoping to get a nice big shoal when we restock our tank when we get to move back to our own home! (only about 3 weeks now guys touch wood)

Is this.. like... the neighbor's attic has been redone to meet building codes?? wasn't it somethng like that?

 

[Miss Wiggle]

yup, not just building codes, their wall for their loft conversion was built on top of our ceiling joists, we needed to pull down the ceiling joists so their wall would have fallen down if we just went ahead with the work. so were stuck living with the in-laws while we argued with them about it for months, all agreed now, the builders have been and gone, now Ian is just rebuilding our house, taken the opportunity to get the kitchen re-done while we're living out of home as well but everything will be done in about 3 weeks time and then we can move back home

 

[waterdrop]

sounds great, its about time!!

 

[anniekins]

Day 50. Ammonia 0 Nitrite 0.25 Nitrate 5 PH 6.8 at 12 hours. Checked again at 13 hours Nitrite 0

I didn't realise Harlequins were quite so popular, obviously a good choice! Miss W, hope the next few weeks fly past and you soon settle back home and enjoy your new kitchen and restocked tank.

 

[anniekins]

Day 51. Stats today at 12 hours are: Ammonia 0 Nitrite between 0 and 0.25 Nitrate 5 PH 6.0. Checked again at 13 hours Nitirite 0, a nice pale blue colour.

Do I need to take any action on the dropping PH, or is it okay

 

[waterdrop]

Yes, you're gonna need a large water change with gravel clean... good practice! Recharge with ammonia afterwards.

~~waterdrop~~

 

[backtotropical]

Yes, you're gonna need a large water change with gravel clean... good practice! Recharge with ammonia afterwards.

~~waterdrop~~

I'll second that. You don't want a stall at this stage, Annie.

Change maybe 75% and recharge with ammonia. We agreed that the difference between 12 and 13 hours was immaterial on 16 March, and you've had 0-0 (after 13 hrs) on 17th, 18th, 19th, so by my calculations this is day 4 of your qualifying week.

Fish next weekend? Or you could have a 'qualifying 6 days' instead and get fish on Sunday?

Definitely get that water change done before the pH causes any problems though.

BTT