Help me with my ammonia cycling!

Ilya

I set up my new tank to cycle, and not knowing how much ammonia to put in, I poured in about less than a cup full. After finding out, I was suppose to use far less, using milliliters. Anyhow, I did a 95% or complete water change, added the water conditioner (and extra just in case). So I checked my ammonia level (without adding anymore ammonia). And I can't tell what pph it's at.



It's either about 6 or 6.5 in my opinion. However, I may be wrong, and it could be beyond 7.5!

I need some advice!

herefishy

Cycling takes time. Try Cycle, Bio Zyme, or StressZyme.

mcdanielnc89

best way to tell what it is is put put the water over the colors to see if it blends in with any of them.. if not and it far beyond it or in beteen make an estimate if inbetween..

Ilya

Hey, thanks for the tip. I do have cycle. But I might trade it for a pleco or two. I'm using the ammonia cycle method. And I heard that cycle doesn't work too well.

fish_4_all

Stick with it, your reading is not over 7.5 and should go down soon but you might want to do another water change just so you can measure it and get a better reading.

We all make mistakes and at least this one happened without fish. Save your money and just be patient. In most cases the cycle products only save you 1-2 weeks if they work at all so it really isn't worth the cost unless you have money to throw away and are simply too impatient to wait.

Ilya

Alright. I'll do another test tomorrow. Hopefully it's good. Then maybe in a few days, I'll do a 25% water change. Does that sound good to you?

fish_4_all

Just make sure you add ammonia when it needs to be added or you may lose your bacteria completely. I haven't memorized the dosing but I would put 1 drop a day in just to make sure there is enough to feed the bacteria and keep your cycle going strong, or just a partial dose if the tank is small.

Ilya

Well, I did a nitrite test. And it came up clear with a hint of blue. Does this mean my ammonia is turning into nitrite!? On the scale it looks like 0.25 or 0.75.

leifthebunny

Loos like the beneficial bacteria is starting to convert the ammonia to nitrites. Once this spikes, you will start seeing the nitrates build up.