atorres25

Hi, I got my 10 gallon tank from a friend who didn´t want it anymore. Unknowingly of the cycling process I cleaned the tank with tap water, got new gravel, a new filter and a live plant. Also, my friend left me these two corydoras. Three days have passed and they seem fine.

The thing is that I tested my tank today and the results say the ammonia, nitrate and nitrite levels are safe, but the alkalinity (KH) and the pH turned out to be a little high. The pH is around 8.4 and according to the test strip the alkalinity is between 270 and 350 ppm.

I´m confused, on what phase am I of the cycle? Do I have to wait to put more fish in my tank? Is the cycle done?
I would appreciate your help, I´m dying to get new fish for my tank

Thankyou!

Peterpiper

Hi atorres25, And welcome to fishlore
Unfortunately cleaning the tank and replacing the filter means that the tank will go into a cycle to reestablish the bacteria.
This process will take around 4-6 weeks and the two corydoras ( who do not tolerate high Nitrates ) would suffer greatly or could die during this process.
IMO It would be best if you could have someone look after them while your tank cycles, or give them away.
I have a link for you to read on how to cycle a tank.
http://www.fishlore.com/NitrogenCycle.htm

In a 10g tank as with any tank you are restricted as to how may fish you can safely put in the tank. So you need to do some research on the fish you want to keep, find out what the length of the fish in when it is fully grown.
You can put 1" of fish for every gallon max, so your tank could be stocked to a max of 10" ( adult size ) fish

atorres25

I found a nice home for the two corys and they are now safe on a 55 gal aquarium.
Thanks for the advice.
I don´t think there is any Biospira in my LFS, so in this case what is the fastest option to do the cycling in my tank?

susitna-flower

HI, WELCOME TO FISHLORE!

I am so glad you found us, and I really hope you can transform your 10 gallon tank into a lovely fish home soon.....

If you can't find bio-spira, the next fastest way to cycle it is to get some filter media from someones established tank. OR gravel from an established tank......these things can be placed in a bag or nylon hose or anything to place in your tank, run your tank and follow the instructions for doing a fishless cycle....ammonia, or fish food or something to add the ammonia to feed the bacteria you are getting started.

When you transport the material from an established tank it has to remain warm (70 f approx), and wet until you place it in your tank....This will "seed" your bacteria, and if you feed it twice a day.....your cycle should be done in a couple of weeks....

You will see a spike in ammonia, then a spike in nitrite, then when they both go down to 0 and you have nitrates raise up to 10+ your cycle is finished. Then you do a 75% water change and add fish! Good Luck