voiceless_kat

I used Bio Spira last Friday (3rd). Am seeing a bit of ammonia now. Reading the Marineland website, it could already have cycled or just be starting, but apparently nothing the fish can't handle?? ( I am cycling a 10g tank with divider, 2 heaters, 2 filters, two bettas).

I Googled Bio Spira and am more confused than ever. One place said to remove carbon filter, which I did not do. is that right or wrong. No mention of that on the pkg, from the seller or on their website.

I have read from those for whom it worked, and from those for whom it did not work.

I need some guidance here, please! Cycling tanks seems to be my albatross! Thanks.

Val

0morrokh

Well I've never used Bio Spira, but hopefully I can help a little.
I have never heard of having to remove carbon while using bio spira. Carbon removes chemicals from the water, so it shouldn't affect the bacteria.

Occasionally I have heard of weird small ammonia or nitrite spikes after using Bio Spira (though not usually a week after...), but I believe these ususally resolve themselves in a few days. I would not do a water change unless the ammonia starts getting pretty high, and see if it will go away on its own.

The other thing that could have caused an ammonia spike is if you recently pruned a bunch of live plants (if you have them), which I'm thinking is not the case since the tank is new....