JSK

I'm near the start of a fishless cycle, using pure added ammonia. I had a little trouble getting the cycle going, but I lowered my ammonia to 1 PPM (with a 75% water change) and put some gravel from a friend's tank in my filter housing. I did this on 12/31 (Thursday). Readings on Thrusday and Friday were 1 ppm ammonia (did not check nitrite or nitrate).

My readings yesterday (Saturday) were: ammonia = 1 ppm, nitrite = 0.25 ppm, did not check nitrate.

My readings today (SUnday) are: ammonia = 1 ppm, nitrite = 0.5 ppm, nitrate = ~5 ppm (maybe a bit lower than 5).

I am happy about nitrite and nitrate appearing, that tells me things are happening...but why is the ammonia staying right where it is at 1 ppm(not dropping)? Shouldn't it go down? Or, are my eyes just not sensitive enough to see the slight changes in color with the API kit?

Shawnie

the nitrites arent quite high enough to knock it down maybe? and I agree my eyes are horrible in the lower phases of ammonia..i have to have my boyfriend look at it LOL ...

Lucy

Are you adding ammonia everyday or using the add and wait method?

JSK

So far I am adding and waiting...I wanted to see it come down before I added more. I also wonder if there might be something left on one of my rocks or driftwood that is decaying...I cleaned them, but maybe there was something in the cracks or crevices that is adding to the ammonia..

Llama

When did you perform the tests? If you did them the moment you added fresh ammonia, then obviously the bacteria won't cycle it THAT quickly.

Otherwise, you're very much on the right track, shouldn't take much long.

JSK

Thanks for the encouragement! The appearance of the nitrite and nitrate must be a good thing, they had to come from somewhere and I know they were not there a week ago. I have not added any more ammonia since my first dose, so I know that I am testing at the right time.

My guess is that the ammonia is creeping down, even if I can't see it...maybe it was at 1.2 ppm a few day ago and now it is at 0.8....the colors are hard to judge for me at those low levels. (?)

Should I add a little more ammonia to feed things?

Lucy

Yep, if the nitrite and nitrates are rising, you're making progress.
As long as there's ammonia in the tank, the bacteria is being fed.
Personally, I would wait for it to drop to 0 then add more if you still have nitrite readings.

JSK

Lucy, awesome advice, thanks. That makes sense to me...I'll be patient and see how things go over the next few days.

Shawnie

lucy is queen of ammonia methods LOL

JSK

I have to agree, Lucy is the queen in this regard! :-)

Maybe I can hit you guys up with one more question...it is a good or bad idea (or no difference) to fertilize live plants while cycling?

Lucy

Aw shucks, you give me too much credit. lol

I have no clue about plants and ferts.
You might want to start a new thread in the plants section.
That way members who have that knowledge will see your question.

JSK

Awesome idea, thanks!

jdhef

Have you tested your tap water for nitrates? The nitrates that you have showing could be in your tap water.

JSK

Good question. My tap water is pretty darn close to 0 nitrates...maybe 1 ppm, but no more.

The even better news is that I tested my water after work today and my ammonia had dropped down to 0.5 ppm, the nitrite = 2 ppm, and nitrate = 10 ppm...so ammonia is dropping and nitrite and nitrate are both going up. Yay! My 6 year and 9 year and I had a little "cycle dance" to celebrate....they are totally into the testing and the cycling.