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More questions on cycling, filters, etc.

1K views 5 replies 3 participants last post by  MBilyeu 
#1 ·
Hello.
I hope I am coming close to my 5 gallon Marineland (filtered, heated) being cycled. I'm doing the fishless cycling and when I add my ammonia, (about 4ppm) it takes it maybe 24 or so hours to reach zero. My Nitirites take about that long too. The only thing is, my nitrates are way up there (maybe 40ppm) and are staying at about that level. Any ideas what this can mean? It's been cycling about 5 weeks now.
Also, I've also noticed my Bio-Wheel has stopped turning. (It's the smallest one meant for a tank less than 10 gallons I think). Any advice what I should do??
Thanks!
 
#2 ·
Your nitrates will continually climb during a cycle. I would only add 2ppm of ammonia and see if it will go away in 12 hours. I have a feeling that it will, and that means that your tank is cycled. If so, I would do a large water change (50-75%) to reduce your nitrates then add fish right after the water change.

Sorry I can't help with the filter question.
 
#3 ·
Make sure the bio-wheel is seated prorerly.
Does the filter water flow seem less than normal? You could have some algea growth or something else clogging the intake or propellor. Be careful to only use declorinated water if the filter needs cleaning, so you do not harm your cycle.
 
#6 ·
If your test results are that, then you tank is fully cycled. You will need an ammonia source to keep it cycled, so if you are not going to be putting fish in that day, then I would keep adding ammonia (2ppm) until the day you plan on adding fish. Remember to do a large water change before you add the fish because you do not want your nitrates over 40ppm. Less than 20ppm would be ideal.
 
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