Strange Goings On In The Fishless Cycle!

[scorphonic]

I tested the ammonia today as I do every day since I'm cycling the 180 L tank using ammonium hydroxide. The levels have remained fairly constant and tonight there seems to be a decrease from ~4ppm to ~2ppm. I added in the product cycle yesterday and so it seems to be working.

The strange thing is this: I also tested for nitrIte and nitrAtes. I found that the level of nitrite was just about 0.5ppm and the nitrates was also about 0.5ppm. How can this be if the level of nitrites is quite low!!

To try to figure this out I tested the tap water that filled the tank and it came up negative for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate!!

Am I just lucky to be getting these readings and should I just carry on without doing anything to the tank. Now its important for me to say that two days ago I did increase the water temperature from about 24 to about 28/30, I added cycle and I also fitted a 12" air stone in the tank to increase the oxygen levels along with a 1/2" airstone for a water feature.

Any suggestions would be helpful!!

 

[WILDER]

High temps speed bacteria growth up.
So your tap nitrate reading is 0.
Find that cycle product gives you a higher ammonia reading, looks like you are nearly cycled to me.

 

[WILDER]

http/www.skepticalaquarist.com/docs/star.../fishless.shtml

 

[scorphonic]

Thanks for the reply and the link wilder. I'll have to give it a read now. The funny thing is that I have only started cycling the tank about 7 days ago!!

Anways, another question for you. I have a juwel filter and have been advised to remove the carbon filter and the nitrate removal filter while cycling....is this a good idea?

 

[Maxta]

I started mine 7 days ago like you. My levels of ammonia today are around 2, nitrites are around 2, and nitrates yesterday were 2. Nitrite seems to be increasing quiockyl over the past few days and ammonia has stayed around 2/3 for half a week or something.

 

[three-fingers]

Anways, another question for you. I have a juwel filter and have been advised to remove the carbon filter and the nitrate removal filter while cycling....is this a good idea?

A very good idea, the carbon will be absorbing the ammonia and nitrite anyway.
With these still in the filter you will not be able to tell whether or not your tank is cycling properly.
They are most likely the reason for the strange readings .

 

[scorphonic]

Thank you for the info Maxta and three fingers.

Have to say three fingers.... I love your city and country!! My cousins grew up in Fife (Leaven???) I'm born and bred Ireland...living about 20 miles north of Dublin!!

I've removed the filters, made the mistake and got dirt from the fine filter into the water so hopefully that clears up pretty quickly.

I'll keep updating and see if I need any more help!