sheamurai

Hi I have the same problem but my tank is 6wks old now (with fish, my bad I know) and while all my other readings are finally good, my ammonia level has read the same since day one. Can someone tell me what am I doing wrong? Or am I just being impatient? I want to get a couple more fish but am waiting for the cycle to level out...
Tetra Laborette - ammonia 1.5mg/l

Lucy

Hi welcome to Fish Lore

Your post has been moved to a thread of it's own. This way you can get more individualized attention.

Are you using strips or is that a liquid kit. The liquid kits are much more accurate that the strips.

After 6 weeks, it should be cycled. It looks like you'll have to be a bit more patient.
It would be helpful to know your nitrate reading. It's listed as n/a, does that mean you don't have a test for it?

Daily water changes will help keep the levels down so you're fish are safer.

However, even after it's cycled, I wouldn't recommend adding anymore fish.
Some bettas will tolerate tankmates, others won't. You may wake up one day to find someone hurt or killed, Especially in a 10g tank.

Good luck, I hope you're tank cycles quickly.

sheamurai

Hmm, thanks...I didn't want to start my own thread because I know its such a common issue, lol...I've read all I can, buuuut

Its a liquid kit, and it has no separate test for nitrites for some reason. It has a test for NO3 (nitrite), and then NH3/Nh4 are combined.
I'm doing water changes every other day, and everyone seems quite happy in there - Rocky (bettas always seem to end up with names, don't they) even recovered from a slight scrape he got when I put a new docoration in.

So, a reading that hasn't fluctuated since day one isn't a cause for concern as yet?

I have added an air stone as I read somewhere that higher oxygen may help...

Lucy

Everyones cycle is different, that thread was already two pages long, so this will avoid confusion.

Having to do water changes so often slows down the cycle, but as you know, it helps the fish.

It would be a good idea to get a nitrate test, it'll give you a good indication how the cycle is moving.
Have you thought to test your tap water?

sheamurai

Yes, there are so many references to nitrates I had already decided to get a test for that next time I go into town...as far as testing the water, my water is soft well water, no chemicals added so I didn't think it would be part of the problem.
?

Lucy

Ammonia probably isn't a problem with well water.
Hmmm, just hang in there and have patience. It is odd that it hasn't changed at all.

I just noticed, you use a bacterial additive? Most of them aren't aqautic and die off quickly. The can starve the beneficial bacteria that needs to grow naturally and stop your tank from cycling properly.
I'd suggest you stop using it.

sheamurai

I just finished testing my tap water, and the ammonia is zero. At least now I know I really am doing the testing correctly!

I will stop using Bio-Support, and wait (impatiently) for another couple weeks. Is there a maximum time I should wait before trying to break the ammonia lock by chemical means?

Lucy

I'm not sure I understand your question.

Once you stop using the product, don't be alarmed to see your ammonia go up. The bacteria will need time to develop.
Just keep doing daily water changes (50%) is usually recommended.
You can use Prime or Stress Coat+ as your water condition, they'll detox the ammonia (not lock it) for 24 hours between water changes.
Slowly increase the temp (1 Degree an hour) to about 79. Warmer temps will help the bacteria grow. Also increase aeration to make up for less oxygen in warmer water, that should also help the bacteria.

Hang in there, you'll get there.

sheamurai

thanks Lucy, muchly appreciated...
I just hate knowing that my fish are living in a toxic environment, and for so long now - its hard to wait!

thanks again

Lucy

You're welcome.
Ask as many questions as you need, the members have a wide range of experience and are always happy to help.

sheamurai

This week I've finally hit ZERO!
Thanks Lucy!

Lucy

Great! How do your nitrite and nitrate readings look?

sheamurai

all good!

Lucy