What Is Going On With My Cycle?

[CezzaXV]

Update: I tested this morning and there was a slight drop in ammonia and some nitrite present. Despite being through the roof the previous night, the pH had already dropped to 7.8. Not wanting to let it crash during the day, I added about a quarter of a teaspoon of bicarbonate which took it up to about 8 or so, but I had to go to work so didn't have time to wait for the full effect of the bicarbonate or even to let the test develop completely. Here's hoping for tonight, anyway.

 

[Gvilleguy]

You're doing the right stuff - just keep monitoring your pH and buffer it as needed.

 

[CezzaXV]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I've just done my test and since redosing last night 4ppm+, it's now down to 1-2ppm. I can tell you, I've never wanted to see the colour yellow so bad. Looking forward to tomorrow's tests to see how quickly it goes back down to 0, but I think I'm back on track now.

The pH was 7.8 or thereabouts, but as I'm not redosing with ammonia tonight, I put a tiny bit of bicarb in for a little boost.

I actually can't wait to test my tank in the morning now.

 

[HayzH]

yeayyyyyyy..im glad we found out the culprit!
wish i found whats happening with mine!

 

[CezzaXV]

Just to let you know, I got a 0.25ppm on ammonia this morning. It's been about 38 hours since I redosed and it's still not 0, but I'm so happy to get such a low reading

Nitrite is through the roof though. Wondering whether half dosing would be wise as I've gotta go through my nitrite spike all over again.

 

[HayzH]

Just to let you know, I got a 0.25ppm on ammonia this morning. It's been about 38 hours since I redosed and it's still not 0, but I'm so happy to get such a low reading

Nitrite is through the roof though. Wondering whether half dosing would be wise as I've gotta go through my nitrite spike all over again.

hmmm...yeah. I think i found my culprit too..my filter died last night..its still processing ammonia..but the nitrites are not.