Starting My New African Cichlid Tank

[riogal_11]

I'm really surprised that I have no algae and no cloudy water. Is this typical?

Also, what is a good bottom dweller to put with Malawi's? If possible, could you give me the name that they are referred to in stores, as that's all they go by at my LFS.

 

[Malawi MaD]

Not having cloudy water is good and the algae will come with time depending how long your lights are left on for. synodontis multopunctatus are really nice and work brilliant with malawi's their common name 'i think' is cuckoo cat or something like that. Bristle nose plecs also go down well with malawi's but most synodontis catfish work best IMO

 

[riogal_11]

1/22/2012 at 10:30am - Ammonia back to 0; Nitrites off the chart.

MaD - I've barely had my lights on at all during the cycle, as my hood was damaged and my FIL had to fix it. So, they've probably only been on for 10 hours total during the cycle. I thought I read somewhere to leave the light off during the cycle, but I could be wrong.

 

[Malawi MaD]

Not sure about leaving the lights of during a cycle(never heard of that myself) but im guessing the lights wouldnt be left on anyway as there is nothing in the tank to look at? Like i say the algae will come with time, depending if you want it or not??

 

[riogal_11]

Not sure about leaving the lights of during a cycle(never heard of that myself) but im guessing the lights wouldnt be left on anyway as there is nothing in the tank to look at? Like i say the algae will come with time, depending if you want it or not??

I'd like a moderate covering of algae, but I despise being overrun with it. We've had the lights on a couple times, during my testing of patience without fish, just to pretend.

 

[riogal_11]

*Scratch all the questions below* Apparently I totally messed up the Nitrate readings on Day 9. I just read the instructions again, carefully, and am re-testing!
Update - Nitrite is truly at 10ppm now.



I'm confused by my readings today... Day 17 - 1/23/2012 at 3:30pm - Ammonia at O; Nitrite off the chart; Nitrate at 10ppm

Why would my nitrates only be 10ppm? Shouldn't they be off the charts at this point?
I wouldn't be so confused if I hadn't got this reading on Day 9 - 1/15/2012 at 11:00am - Ammonia-0ppm and Nitrite Above 5ppm
Redosed Ammonia to 4ppm. Nitrate 160ppm+

Did I do the test wrong on that day (can't remember for sure if I shook the bottle tirelessly, but I am thinking I did).
From what I am reading, the nitrates will be off the charts when the cycle is complete, does this mean I have a ways to go?

 

[riogal_11]

Well, Day 18, and no drop. I was counting on double the time of Ammonia drop, which only took 6 days (which would put me at tomorrow). Really hoping to add fish by Saturday because I'm having a party on Sunday and would love to have the fish in there for everyone to enjoy.

 

[Malawi MaD]

Well, Day 18, and no drop. I was counting on double the time of Ammonia drop, which only took 6 days (which would put me at tomorrow). Really hoping to add fish by Saturday because I'm having a party on Sunday and would love to have the fish in there for everyone to enjoy.

Sounds good, lets hope you can have fish for saturday then

 

[riogal_11]

Well, Day 18, and no drop. I was counting on double the time of Ammonia drop, which only took 6 days (which would put me at tomorrow). Really hoping to add fish by Saturday because I'm having a party on Sunday and would love to have the fish in there for everyone to enjoy.

Sounds good, lets hope you can have fish for saturday then

Do my stats look right? Ammonia dropping within about 12-18 hours, Nitrite off the chart, and Nitrates at 10ppm...

 

[riogal_11]

Same readings today as yesterday... Getting anxious, not knowing if it's going to get cycled or not. Will the Nitrates creep up or go up suddenly? How far will they get before the tank will then have 0 readings for the other two tests?

Any help is appreciated.

 

[Malawi MaD]

You don't have any live plants that a reasonably tough to throw in there do you? So are your nitrites and ammonia staying at a consistent level or not?? Are they dropping at all?

 

[riogal_11]

You don't have any live plants that a reasonably tough to throw in there do you? So are your nitrites and ammonia staying at a consistent level or not?? Are they dropping at all?

No plants at all. Every day the Ammonia (been checking about everyone 18-24 hours) is dropping back to ZERO ). Nitrites have been off the charts during this same time period (they have not dropped at all since they went up).

 

[Malawi MaD]

So the ammonia is dropping which is good but don't know why your nitrites aren't dropping by now, not even a little?? .. I think its just a longer cycle than most, as i know you are wanting he fish but if it is taking slightly longer id rather it do that and be right for the fish once your cycle is finished. What test kits are you using they are definitely showing you correct reading's?

 

[riogal_11]

So the ammonia is dropping which is good but don't know why your nitrites aren't dropping by now, not even a little?? .. I think its just a longer cycle than most, as i know you are wanting he fish but if it is taking slightly longer id rather it do that and be right for the fish once your cycle is finished. What test kits are you using they are definitely showing you correct reading's?

Using API test kit. The nitrites are consistently turning purple at the bottom as soon as I put the drops in. Then, it turns light purple after I shake it, and then it gets really dark purple during the 5 minute wait time-frame. Does this sound normal? I've read the instructions numerous times to make sure I am doing it right, but I know the slightest error can mess things up. I am just really shocked that the first ammonia drop happened after 6 days, and now it seems to be stalled since then.

I guess my first drop happened on Day 7, which if you double would be 14 days which would put me at tomorrow. I know that's not fool-proof on the double thing, but I was sure hoping.

 

[Malawi MaD]

I use API test kits myself and they seem to do the job but ive heard many people have problems with them and there not accurate enough. . Does sound like its fluctuating a little going from dark to light back to dark purple again which sounds a little odd i think, usually after a couple of minutes it will change to the color and stay that color. Do you have any other test kit's?? The ammonia dropping is a good thing, that means its spiked and sorted its just the nitrites that are the problem.
Either wait it out a little longer or Maybe a small water change??