ZomZom

My 46 gallon bowfront is experiencing the nitrite-spike phase of its fishless cycle. Nitrites have been above 5ppm for two days now. ammonia is being processed at about 2ppm daily. Should I do a water change to keep the nitrites from getting out of hand?

redlessi

what are you using to cycle the tank with?

djbrist

When I cycled my 29 gal adding ammonia daily, I kept the ppms at 3-4, and my nitrites did spike too, it's what you want, when the little buggers begin to change the nitrites into nitrates you are almost there. Four Methods of Fish Less Cycling
I would hang tight no w/c, your on your way, but know that some have reported nitrite levels for few weeks +/- Be patient it will happen. Like it has been said before, use this time to research, research, and research some more... and have fun!!!

Dave

ZomZom

Redlessi - I'm cycling with ammonia.

DJ - I'll sit tight for now. Hopefully my nitrites will start to drop soon.

Lucy

Congrats for going fish less!
Hang in there, the nitrites should drop on their own.
I wouldn't recommend a water change at this point. What's your nitrate reading?

aquarist48

Again congrats on doing a fishless cycle!
I suggest not doing any water changes until you have 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites and showing some nitrates. At that point if the nitrates are high you can do a 50% water change and you should be ready to go. Your nitrates should be around 5-10 and you're cycled. Best of luck and hang in there.
As Lucy mentioned the nitrites will drop on their own

Too, don't add more than 2 or 3 fish to start with. Let your bacteria strengthen for a couple of weeks before adding more. You don't want to overload the cycle and go into a mini cycle.

ZomZom

Thanks, everyone. My nitrates are at 10.

I fishless cycled a 12 gallon from May - July and had the exact opposite result -- I didn't see nitrites at all and then when they finally showed up the cycle finished right after. That took over two months, so I'm happy things are moving along faster with the 46.

kimb

You're doing great! For some reason bigger tanks seem to cycle "easier" than smaller ones! I know from experience, they certainly are easier to keep cycled also. That nitrite to nitrate phase seems to take the longest (I think it is because we are so anxious to get to the fun part...the fish). Hang in there, it will happen

pepetj

[quote=kimb;635669 That nitrite to nitrate phase seems to take the longest (I think it is because we are so anxious to get to the fun part...the fish). Hang in there, it will happen[/QUOTE]

Totally agree with you, nitrite spike lasts far more days than the ammonia spike. In the end the nitrite spike can resolve in a week or so but it feels like a month!

Pepe
Santo Domingo