BettaGammaDelta

So, the levels have been fine these past few days in Keun's newly cycled and fish-added tank. But this morning, I did a test and my nitrates are all but gone, there's no sign of nitrites, but there's under 0.25ppm of ammonia in there.

The only difference to the tank in the last few days is that I added a new cave for the betta.

Help, please? I don't want to put him back in his cubicle in the ten-gallon, because he hated it and tore his tail up even more than usual.

capekate

Hi Sam
if this is the tank that you transfered your media,gravel and decorations from the 16th its very possible that the BB died off and you have to start over with a new cycle. Best of luck with that.. daily water changes, adding some prime (if you have that product there) will help keep the ammonia & nitrite toxicity down in between the water changes til your tank is cycled again.

BettaGammaDelta

Darn, I was really hoping what I thought had happened hadn't. These things always seem to come up when you have no cash to buy necessary materials, ne?

capekate

Do you normally add a water conditioner to your tank when you do water changes?One that detoxifies the ammonia? That is really all you need to add, without going out and buying all kinds of things.
Hopefully it is just a mini cycle and will be over within a week. Just keep up with the water changes and water testing to be sure.

BettaGammaDelta

I use KB Safe Guard and stress coat. Idk whether they do that stuff :P

...wait, safe guard does. 'Removes excess ammonia' is what is says on the bottle~

jdhef

I'd be careful using anything that "removes" ammonia. If there is no ammonia your baceria will starve off. Stress Coat is good because it "Detoxex" ammonia, but leaves it available to feed bacteria.