Cycling my aquarium (28 Days)

banks720

Its been 28 days since I started my cycle my 29 gallon tank with a Goldfish . The Goldfish is doing real good. I checked my parameters today and the Ammonia was at 0.25ppm, Nitrate 0 ppm, and Nitrite at 0ppm. I think the ammonia in the tank should be at 0 ppm and the Nitrite should be the same thing for a well established aquarium. Its been like that for the past couple of days .Im not showing any Nitrate readings. Is it safe to add more fish to the tank even though the ammonia is at 0.25? If so how many should I add?

Lupin

Not showing nitrate at all???
What test kit are you using?

The pattern indicates you're still at the beginning of nitrogen cycle.

banks720

I'm Using API master liquid test kit.

Lupin

I'm still doubtful adding any fish if your nitrate is zero. The only way for it to go zero is heavily planted setup or you did a large water change and tested water after that.

banks720

As of right now, I have one live plant in my aquarium. If you take a look at my parameters, I havent seen any Nitrate readings and the ammonia has been at 0.25. I did a 50% change the on 27 February. Should I do another partial water change today?

Lupin

If you have not been getting nitrate readings at all, then I doubt you have bacteria in there converting ammonia to nitrite and, nitrite to nitrate at all. You're supposed to have nitrate readings to indicate stable nitrogen cycle taking place.

Do you vacuum your substrate at all?
How about a source for established filter media to jumpstart nitrogen cycle?

banks720

Yes, The last time that i did a water change, I vaccumed the gravel. What do u mean by a source for established filter media to jumpstart nitrogen cycle?

Lupin

I mean if you have someone else who has a healthy tank system, ask him for his established filter media so you can instantly cycle your tank with the necessary beneficial bacteria already colonizing the media.

banks720

No, I dont know anybody else that has a healthy tank system. Would it benificial to add any chemicals to the tank? What would you recomend?

lipadj46

You can try tetra safe start but before that I would shake the nitrate #2 solution, while banging it on a table for a minute before adding the 10 drops as it seems to be slightly souble in the soution.