29 Gallon Aquarium, Has not cycled in almost 4 months..So..

Byron

I understand why a pH regulator is being suggested, but be careful. The pH is tied to the GH and KH, and natural biological processes, and if it should start fluctuating this can be disastrous for the fish. Plus, the present pH is ideal for the fish in the tank, and I personally would not tamper with this on any account.

I have very soft water, and slightly acidic, even as low as 5 in some tanks, and I have never had ammonia issues. I do have live plants of course, and that is still the best solution.
Just a caution.

Byron.

AbbeysDad

I don't disagree...I don't like messing with pH, especially when rapid changes can spell disaster. And depending on the buffer, it can be difficult to change and maintain.
It just seemed that in this case the environment may be so acidic that it prohibits the development of the BB. Hopefully, the do over will resolve.

Also RDB2013, (just another thought) if it's a local water issue, a LFS may provide some insights as to the challenge and what they do to address it - ???

fish monger

I really believe that a properly handled start over, especially one including plenty of live floating plants, will solve this issue. New substrate might be a good idea also. One bag of play sand from The Home Depot is only around $3.00. Being conservative with the chemicals from the start, in my opinion, would be best also. You can always add more. Subtracting is much more difficult. Best of luck.

Tigris

I don't agree with the statement that the low Ph is causing the BV to not grow because I had a tank that's Ph was 6.5-6.6 and it was cycled and has been cycled. Also taking into effect that I had the messiest fish in the trade.
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Byron

It's not so much a case of bacteria not colonizing, but doing it more slowly. The pH of the water, along with temperature, does impact the rate of colonization and multiplication of nitrifying bacteria. You can read more in this article I wrote:
Bacteria in the Freshwater Aquarium

And of course, there may be other reasons why the bacteria is not making it.

Byron.