eric_m

Hi folks,
how long does it usually take before you start seeing nitrites.. its been like 2 weeks and im still getting a zero reading... i'm using the API master kit test.. last reading was last night after a 25% water change... am I missing something?

pH 7
ammonia 0.5
nitrite 0
nitrate 0
Temp 80-81 *F
78 Gallon Tank

12 Cardinals
12 Redline Rasboyas
4 Corydoras
4 Otocyclus
I think thats how you spell it..

tzqng8

If you are doing regular water changes while trying to cycle, it will take longer. Some people say up to 8 weeks. I use a bacteria starter and haven't done a regular cycle before, but this if from the research I have done.

BTW, you SHOULD be doing the regular water changes since you have fish in there already, but it will make it take longer.

Shawnie

It took me 9 weeks to do my 75 gallon...gosh I dont miss those days!! patience and daily water changes are the key to sucess and happy fish...

goggles

i'm sorry but you shoiuld never do a cycle with fish!!!!!
and it will take as long as it takes. sorry if i seem rude but you will kill your fish.

peacemaker92

You seem to be having a bit of ammonia in the tank which isn't quite good for your fish... The cycle could take weeks to complete! Mine's still in the process after a week already. You should only do water changes when you see nitrates.

Shawnie

peacemaker, I disagree...You should do DAILY water changes with ammonia or nitrites...they will kill the fish if not....nitrates arent as bad if you can keep them under 20.....the only time you dont have to worry about water changes, is with a FISHLESS cycle...

COBettaCouple

I'd recommend using Prime to treat all of your water and testing before each water change for more accurate numbers.

peacemaker92

Oh ok... Well mine is a fishless tank at the moment. But I do water changes once a week.

Evelyn1919

i think you don't even have to do water changes when you are doing fishless cycle. when you are then you need to do them EVERY DAY otherwise the fish will die.

it took me 4 months to do the cycle with fish in it and thanks to this forum only a few of my fish died. i was doing 50% water changes every day.

good luck!

eric_m

hey folks,
im started getting readings for nitrites and nitrates a few days age (2 days) .. i dont have the exact readings right now.. ill add it when I get home... I'm not sure if this had helped in kicking it off.. I took out the cover 3 days ago (its back on now).. my theory was that because the bacteria is from the air.. it may have been coincedence.. the next few days is going to be a bit bumpy as I will be going out of town this weekend.. I've tested the autofeeder.. but am worried to leave at this critical time.. the nitrites and nitrates are on the rise and ammonia is a low 0.25 .. im hoping that the nitrites have peaked and will not rise anymore.. again ill post the readings tonight after the water change.. I usually wait a few hours after the water change to get a reading.. but have a time limit tonight... Ill do a before and after (ill be gone for 5 days)...

I also just wanted to clarify.. I didnt intend to cycle with fishes.. especially cardinals .. It was an impulse purchase hence the daily water changes..
- water changes were being done daily approx 50%
- I'd like to think my efforts will not result with dead fishes unfortunatly my out of town trip this weekend..
(i've lost one Cardinal.. litterally.. he went missing.. no body.. just dissappeared.. just poof..)

Evelyn1919

your cardinal was probably eaten by other fish. with no water changes you might come home to find lots of dead fish because you will be gone for 5 days and nitrites are as toxic as ammonia to your fish (someone correct me if i'm wrong) plus you still have ammonia.

good luck and let us know what happens when you come back.

eric_m

do a lot of people really lose that many fishes during a cycle??

Shawnie

If they dont know about the cycle, yes many many fish are lost..and until they know why, they continue to buy some after the others die..and still wonder why...(that was me for a long time)!