Throwing this out there if you're struggling

[RowdyBub50]

I usually don't do this (promote a company) but I was struggling with getting cycle going and found this:

Filter - Active Sponge Filter

NOTE: If you test your water after adding the filter and have no ammonia and no nitrites, then everything is good. You do NOT need to see nitrates to know it's working. If you use Prime or another ammonia-neutralizing product, the filter will not work well. These products interfere with the...

angelsplus.com

It took 9-10 days to get to me, wasn't crazy about the customer service (blamed me for ordering it over holiday) but 36ish hrs later ammonia gone (fishless with Dr Tims ammonia), skipped the nitrite and went right to 10ppm nitrate. I squeezed the sponge out into the tank to seed my other sponge and canister, dumped the water in and then used the sponge itself.

Option if your struggling and don't have a friend/trusted source.

Edit, I did also use Seachem Prime and stability 3 days in a row before it arrived so could have been a combo of all 3 and this was after a month of struggling. Your results may vary .

 

[Lajos_Detari]

Sorry, I have a question.
Did you do the ammonia test while using the Seachem Prime?

If I'm not wrong, the Seachem Prime will bind the ammonia for about 48 hrs (or remove it temporarily), after which it will release the ammonia back to the water.

 

[FishGuest5123]

Sorry, I have a question.
Did you do the ammonia test while using the Seachem Prime?

If I'm not wrong, the Seachem Prime will bind the ammonia for about 48 hrs (or remove it temporarily), after which it will release the ammonia back to the water.

The ammonia would still show in test.

 

[RowdyBub50]

The ammonia would still show in test.

Yes ammonia test would still show ammonia, Prime binds it for up to 48hrs so its not harmful but is still seen as ammonia and can be eaten by the bacteria to continue the cycle. Its been probably 3 day? Since I added Prime.

 

[Retired Viking]

Thanks for the info, I usually do a planted cycle but I am looking at setting up a breeding tank for my tetra and this may work with that.