Tammy64 Fishless Cycle

[tammy64]

Ok, at the risk of repeating myself I'll paste my first post here:
On Dec 27th I set up the tank. I rinsed the gravel and put this in the tank. I then filled the tank after treating the water for chlorine. Chlorine levels are fine. I added the filter and heater and turned them both on. Both are working (well at least bubbles are coming out of the filter so am guessing its effective )I added artificial plants, a clam with air pump and added the correct amount of stress zyme.
On the Saturday (so 5 days) I took a water sample in and it was tested. I was told the nitrate (or maybe nitrite- sorry)was sky high and was advised to add 3 capfuls of Easyneo a day until the Saturday and to do a 25-50% water change. I did 40% (dechlorinated) the following Saturday took another sample and all levels ok except again nitrate. Advised same thing and just to be patient. Was suggested not to add more Stress Zyme but continue with Easyneo. Did that and water change again, water check yesterday showed levels still as high
I was advised to get a Fluval clearmax which I have added and to carry on with the Easyneo.
After reading the link here about cycling...I don't know where to go from here
Should I start adding ammonia?

Ok so now I've done the tests and the results are:
PH 7.5
Ammonia 0
Nitrite between 1.6 and 3.3 (sorry so hard to tell)
Nitrate 50-110 (again so hard to tell)
I'm such an amateur so sorry for these results
The nitrate and nitrite were the same colour...not sure if this is right??

I'd welcome any advice as to where to go from here...I'm guessing start adding ammonia? Thank you

 

[Skins]

Ok, at the risk of repeating myself I'll paste my first post here:
On Dec 27th I set up the tank. I rinsed the gravel and put this in the tank. I then filled the tank after treating the water for chlorine. Chlorine levels are fine. I added the filter and heater and turned them both on. Both are working (well at least bubbles are coming out of the filter so am guessing its effective )I added artificial plants, a clam with air pump and added the correct amount of stress zyme.
On the Saturday (so 5 days) I took a water sample in and it was tested. I was told the nitrate (or maybe nitrite- sorry)was sky high and was advised to add 3 capfuls of Easyneo a day until the Saturday and to do a 25-50% water change. I did 40% (dechlorinated) the following Saturday took another sample and all levels ok except again nitrate. Advised same thing and just to be patient. Was suggested not to add more Stress Zyme but continue with Easyneo. Did that and water change again, water check yesterday showed levels still as high
I was advised to get a Fluval clearmax which I have added and to carry on with the Easyneo.
After reading the link here about cycling...I don't know where to go from here
Should I start adding ammonia?

Ok so now I've done the tests and the results are:
PH 7.5
Ammonia 0
Nitrite between 1.6 and 3.3 (sorry so hard to tell)
Nitrate 50-110 (again so hard to tell)
I'm such an amateur so sorry for these results
The nitrate and nitrite were the same colour...not sure if this is right??

I'd welcome any advice as to where to go from here...I'm guessing start adding ammonia? Thank you

Hello Tammy,
Imo i would stop adding the chemicals(apart from your dechlorinater)your lfs is selling you and start adding the h/h ammonia to cycle your filter. Things could have been worse and they sold you fish. Can i suggest you check all your tap water parameters, there is a good chance you will see levels of nitrate possibly ammonia/nitrite as well.
If you already havn't then have a look at the links in my signature, bottom of this post.

Keep us all posted, Keith.

 

[tammy64]

Thank you
Well, just tested the tap water and here are the results:
ammonia 0
nitrite 0
nitrate 0 (possible trace as tiny tint of colour)

Will get ammonia tomorrow and start 'proper' cycling. Sadly, very excited about it!

 

[tammy64]

Oh and should I take out the Fluval clearmax I have in there which I was told to put in to absorb nitrates?

 

[Skins]

Oh and should I take out the Fluval clearmax I have in there which I was told to put in to absorb nitrates?

Yes now would be a good time to remove and replace with sponge or even better ceramic rings/noodles, these three media types are better for the bacterias to colonise on.

Keith.

 

[Aqua Tom]

Hi Tammy, welcome to the forums.

+1 with Keith

I would go & get some ceramic rings/noodles to replace the clearmax. it will give you much better surface area for the A-bac + N-bacs to cling to.

Time to add the Ammonia methinks

 

[tammy64]

I'm sorry to be dim, but what are ceramic rings/ noodles?

 

[Gvilleguy]

I'm sorry to be dim, but what are ceramic rings/ noodles?

The fish store should have some for you - something similar to this:

Fluval Biomax

 

[tammy64]

I'm sorry to be dim, but what are ceramic rings/ noodles?

The fish store should have some for you - something similar to this:

Fluval Biomax

Thank you Gvilleguy...will get some of that. Meanwhile, have added the ammonia so to about 5 ppm so will test daily now. Thank you for all the advice so far

 

[tammy64]

My ammonia still seems to be up near 5 ppm although i 'think' its slightly paler.
The artificial plants and the filter seem to have a thin layer of white 'stuff' on...its kind of floaty where some is coming away from things and has an appearance similar to limescale...what is it and do I need to do anything?!
Thank you for your help

 

[Skins]

My ammonia still seems to be up near 5 ppm although i 'think' its slightly paler.
The artificial plants and the filter seem to have a thin layer of white 'stuff' on...its kind of floaty where some is coming away from things and has an appearance similar to limescale...what is it and do I need to do anything?!
Thank you for your help

I might be wrong but it sounds like calcium deposits, if it is don't worry this can be removed when you perform your water changes if its bothering you.

Keith.