nitz

Thanks Kelly!! I'll look into it. Let me know how it goes.

2 new people posting today is pretty exciting. Alessa and I have been pretty lonely here for a while.

Alessa

thats true! in my other post it has been only lucy...

nitz

haha that's not true!! Well for a while there ya, but now you've got 2 people other than Lucy posting. We have quite the popular threads I must say.

Alessa

Ok, Nigel my tank is officially cycled as of today!

I hope that you really get your hands on some stress zyme... it seems like it really helps the becteria get well settled in the filter!

Now, its your turn!

nitz

Congrats Alessa!! Those 16 days must've seemed like forever eh?

I think that getting one of the bettas in a cup wouldn't be a bad thing. I read in a thread that people were saying not to buy the bettas in the cups but I think that if everyone boycotts the places that have bettas in the cups, those fish may just end up dying there, being flushed, or just dumped somewhere. Personally, I'd get one of those cup bettas. (I'm actually struggling right now not to get another tank and divide it to put 2 bettas in it...)

Anyways...I'm so happy for you. Hopefully I can finish my (new?) cycle as fast as you did.

Alessa

im sure you will... Keep me posted to see how it goes

nitz

ok so here are the results an hour after adding about 30 drops of ammonia

ammonia: ~2ppm
nitrite: 0
nitrate: 5-10ppm

So looking at that, I'm assuming there are trace amounts of nitrate in my tap water. How do you suggest going from here? Should I wait for the ammonia to go down then add more, bring the ammonia concentration up to 5 ppm, add 4 or more drops of ammonia per day until nitrites show up, or something completely different?

(I didn't have time today and I'm going to the Rogers Cup (tennis) tomorrow so I won't be able to pick up the Stress Zyme until the weekend)

Alessa

Ok, here is what to do.
test daily to see if the ammonia has gone down. do not add more until youre in the mark of .25-0. everytime the ammonia goes to 0 add more.

the results of your test could mean either something really good or really bad.

1st, test the tap water for nitrates. if it tests positive... your cycle hasnt even started

if the tap tests negative, nitrates keep increasing and ammonia drops to 0 that means that you are cycled!!!!!

Good luck and let me know how how it went!

Darlene

Congratulations Alessa on your cycle

nitz

So should I leave it at 2ppm ammonia for now until it drops then raise it back to 2ppm or raise it to about 5ppm now and wait for it to drop and keep that up until I'm getting 0 for ammonia and nitrite?

I read so much on this before I started and now it all just blew up in my face. I guess people who have gone through the cycle are better reference than just articles. At least you can ask people questions right? Sorry, but I'm getting a bit frustrated with this cycle.

Alessa

I understand you

Well, I noticed that my cycle was running smoothly until I nitrite hit the 5.0 then, it just stopped. I's suggest doing a massive water change and just raising ammonia 10 the .50. for some reason it seems to go faster when you have the levels at low.

for now just observe. If the ammonia starts lowering, but you dont see an increase in nitrites, it is because you have all of your nitrite-eating bacteria present and I'd say your cycle is complete!

some people seed their tanks so well that they never see a nitrite spike... and they keep waiting, and waiting thinking that their cycle hasnt even started!

C'mon! Cheer up! i know it is horribly frustrating but im sure it is almost over!

nitz

Ok ok Alessa. You're a good motivator. I want to see some nitrites or nitrates climbing just so I know something is happening!!

I'll test my tap water for nitrates tonight or tomorrow and let you know if there's anything.

Oh...almost forgot...I'm gonna get one of those little media bags and put some gravel from my other tank in it to float in this tank to hopefully introduce some bacteria.

Alessa

also squeeze the old filter so the mud goes into the new one!!! it will surely help!

nitz

oh right!! i'll do that as soon as get home today. thanks Alessa

Alessa

were both again at work arent we?

nitz

hahaha yup

nitz

Alessa!! While I was walking through the mall across the street from my work, I found a PJs Pet Store!! Got all excited and walked in there to pick up some Stress Zyme, but...they don't have it!! They don't even have Prime (I know I wasn't really looking for that but just thought I'd take a look what else I'd be able to pick up when needed from there). They have some very sad bettas though...

Alessa

oh... darn!

Ok.. then, it sounds like you have no choice but ordering it online...

how are your readings today though? if the ammonia dropped and your nitrates rose id say youre cycled!


ps, I got my betta yesterday... hes in my recently cycled 5 gal hex...

I hope everything goes well with you!