kahuna

I have a 55 gal tank, new set up. It has 1 pearl gourami, 1 dwarf gourami and 6 platy. Used Safe Start to help boost the cycle. My question is how long before my ammonia levels start spiking? Currently we are on day 5 and ammonia and nitrite levels are 0, nitrates at 20. Thank you in advance, great informational site.

Lucy

Welcome to Fish Lore

I don't think you'll see a spike now.
According to your readings it looks like Tetra SafeStart did it's job and your tank is cycled.

The presence of nitrates indicate that the bacteria is doing it's job.

kahuna

Thanks for the info. I was not sure if the ammonia spike was a must.

Lucy

The bacteria in Tetra SafeStart sould process the ammonia. It probably happened during the 5 days since you added it. if at all.

haedra

Ah, I wish my experience had been like that!

agabr123

hi kahuna and welcome to fishlore it definitely sounds like the TSS did its job and got you through the cycle in 5 days, i'd keep an eye on your levels for the next few days just to make sure, but otherwise you should be good to go!

CWO4GUNNER

Personally I hope SafeStart worked the complete cycle and just diden't start you out safe before the storm. I know my water with 26 fish was pristine almost the first 2 weeks then all heck broke loose. So watch ammonia closely for at least 3 weeks every day. Please continue to report your findings.
Oh yes and a guarded congratulations

Shawnie

whahhooo congrats on a cycled tank! such a great feeling!

jdhef

With a nitrate reading of 20, you're gonna need to be doing a partial water change soon.

Congrats on cycling!

cerianthus

It may/may have not cycled. Just be sure as Gunner has experienced, keep monitoring water for few weeks and control the feeding well for next few weeks.
Out of curiousity, test tap for nitrate(NO3) if used tap to start the tank.
If NO3 of tap is 0, add few drops of Safe Start to see if NO3 registers.
If NO3 registered due to Safestart, then tank may not have cycled yet.

kahuna

Thanks all. I will be watching closely and to be safe, will not add additional fish for @ least 4 weeks. Cross my fingers and keep on testing.

kahuna

Well in case there are any other newbies out there thinking maybe their tank is not going to cycle; it took exactly 3 weeks in my 55 gal to get an ammonia level of .25. I have been doing 30 to 50% daily water changes and have not went higher than .5.

I am certainly finding out that patience is required in this hobby, but of course it is all worth it. Can't wait to get through the cycle and add some additional tank mates.