Beginner, Spec 3 tank, Starting cycle, Jump in and read/laugh/cry/suggest/help

You'll want nitrite below 1 and to bring some of those nitrates down as soon as possible before it starts to stall your cycle. After you get nitrite below 1, I would then dose ammonia back to 1.

el337, thank you for your reply.

After about 2 hours I tested again
Ammonia = 0 (down)
Nitrate = 40.0 (down half)
Nitrite = 5.0 (same)

Went ahead and did 2 gallons (vs 1 before) using the water conditioner as instructed.

As am about to leave, I am going to go ahead and put in the Dr Tim's ammonia solution (7 drops, as have in past, should get it to just a bit more than 1),

Will test tomorrow and see what we get.

While I had the water down, I trimmed the Amazon Sword plant's leaves that were brown (all brown or going brown). Looks much nicer, too bad it won't stay like this

 

No, you'll need to bring that nitrite down below 1 before you dose the ammonia. You'll stall your cycle. The fact that it's stayed at 5 even after a water change means it's much much higher. Do an almost 100% water change before dosing again.

 

No, you'll need to bring that nitrite down below 1 before you dose the ammonia. You'll stall your cycle. The fact that it's stayed at 5 even after a water change means it's much much higher. Do an almost 100% water change before dosing again.

el337, thank you for your reply.

Well, it appears I am learning by doing the wrong thing. Sometimes that's the best way to learn

As I didn't see your message until after I had dosed and left, here is what I came into today.

Ammonia = 0.25
Nitrite = 5.0
Nitrate = 20.0

I did as close to a 100% water change as I could (didn't get into the gravel, but right down to it)

The only thing I added to the tap water I used to refill the tank was the Fluval water conditioner at the recommended dose.

After an hour here are the results

Ammonia = 0.25 (same)
Nitrite = 0.25 (way down)
Nitrate = 0 (down)

This appears to be what I needed to get it to, I am going to put in a few drops of Dr Tim's ammonia solution before I leave.

The entire way though this, it was converting the ammonia/nitrites, so I don't think I stalled the cycle. Will find out tomorrow, hopefully I am getting close to having a tank to put in my fish!

 

Sounds good. How much ammonia did you dose? I'd dose it to 1ppm.

Glad the ammonia is getting converted. Hopefully you're almost done!

 

Sounds good. How much ammonia did you dose? I'd dose it to 1ppm.

Glad the ammonia is getting converted. Hopefully you're almost done!

el337, thank you for your reply.

I put in the ammonia solution last night after getting the parameters back to normal.

After an hour I tested and the ammonia = 2.0

Today I just tested and need your input, here is the stats, I think I need to do another water change

Ammonia = 0.25 (down from 2.0 in 24 hours)
Nitrite = 5.0 (up 4.75)
Nitrate = 20 (up from 0)

Why is it converting the ammonia to nitrite, and converting the nitrites to nitrate but staying way too high?

So, small water change? Large water change? Leave it alone and let the BB convert the nitrite to nitrate? As no fish, at least messing up isn't hurting anything.

Thanks in advance!

 

Large change. You are getting there, it's just the bacteria converting ammonia had much longer to multiply than the ones that convert nitrite. They'll catch up in a bit.

 

I would've just watched the nitrites for another day to see what happens because it's obviously getting converted. If you did the large water change though, only dose to 1ppm this time to give nitrites time to get processed without getting too high.

 

I would've just watched the nitrites for another day to see what happens because it's obviously getting converted. If you did the large water change though, only dose to 1ppm this time to give nitrites time to get processed without getting too high.

el337, thank you for your reply.

I saw your post before I did anything and didn't swap the water out last night (made sense, see what it does).

Sadly, it appears I may have stalled my cycle (at least the nitrite to nitrate part, the ammonia to nitrite is fine)

Water Test
Ammonia = 0.0 (down)
Nitrite = 5.0 (same)
Nitrate = 20.0 (same)

So, it got rid of the last little bit of ammonia, but didn't do anything with the nitrite...

What do I do?

I know you have said in the past, that's too high of nitrite, so I went ahead and did a full water change, pure tap with only Fluval water conditioner (nothing else).

Waiting on reply's before I do anything else... add ammonia at some point, or the BB for that will die... do I put more of the initial biological cycle solution in to start over? don't know what to do...

Large change. You are getting there, it's just the bacteria converting ammonia had much longer to multiply than the ones that convert nitrite. They'll catch up in a bit.

Wraithen, thank you for your reply.

Looks like you were correct, the water change has been done.. I hope your right on the rest of the bacteria catching up...

I thought I was so close

On the other hand, the water was crystal clear, the algae that was present before has essentially gone away, the plant after pruning the initial leaves is growing like a weed (yep, a pun) and looks great... just no fish...

Thanks for your replies, if I didn't have this forum I would be past stuck.

 

What's you ph?

 

The nitrite phase is sometimes the longest. I know it's frustrating seeing them so high constantly. Hang in there.

So, after your water change, where are you at now? Can you post your pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrates? I don't think your cycle has stalled since you are still showing nitrates.

 

What's you ph?

Wraithen, thank you for your reply.

My PH (just went and took it) is 8.4, it has been steady at that for the life of the tank.

My tap is 7.8, assuming the Flourish Tab/plant are the cause of the small elevation.

 

That's fine. You didn't crash the cycle and it's most likely just a slow nitrite stage. (If you wanted to know how my brain works lol.)

 

The nitrite phase is sometimes the longest. I know it's frustrating seeing them so high constantly. Hang in there.

So, after your water change, where are you at now? Can you post your pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrates? I don't think your cycle has stalled since you are still showing nitrates.

el337, thank you for your reply.

PH = 8.4
Ammonia = 0.0
Nitrite = 0.25
Nitrate = 0

Sorry, had seen Wraithen's post, went to get the PH tested and came back and saw yours..

I will check tomorrow.

Since my ammonia is 0.0

Do you want me to put any ammonia in the tank or wait???



To end on a good note... RE the Amazon Sword

I am so far happy with the decision to keep it, but after watching the growth of it, I am going to have to stay on top of pruning it or it will grow out of control.

I watched a few youtube videos on pruning water plants, so far so good, below is a pic of the original plant before I pruned it, and after... it is a very hardy plant!

 

Yes, dose ammonia just to 1ppm though. Test in 24 hours.

 

Okay, new day, new results

Ammonia = 0.0 (all the way down)
Nitrite = 2.00 (up from 0.25)
Nitrate = 5.0 (up from 0)

The ammonia-nitrite is going great, the nitrite-nitrate is going slow...

Is there a way to speed it up, or is it just time?

Do I leave it alone?
Put more ammonia in it and don't change the water?
Put more ammonia in it and do a water change? If so, how big?

Thanks again!

 

I would bring the ammonia back up to 1ppm and not change any water. You don't want you're ammonia converting bacteria to starve off, since ammonia is it's food source. You're seeing nitrates, so it shouldn't be too much longer before you're cycled. Yeah...I know it's hard to be patient.

 

The nitrifying bacteria won't starve off in a day. I'd be concerned about the nitrites getting much higher.

 

They will be fine so long as they stay below 5ppm. If they creep up that high a 50% water change will get them right back down

 

The nitrifying bacteria won't starve off in a day. I'd be concerned about the nitrites getting much higher.

Wraithen, thank you for your reply.

Yep, I put in the ammonia and waited a bit, went back to check ammonia level and while at it checked the nitrite (this seems to be my nemesis) and they were back at 5.0

They will be fine so long as they stay below 5ppm. If they creep up that high a 50% water change will get them right back down

jdhef, thank you for your reply.

Did a 50% water change as suggested.

New stats an hour after change
ammonia = 0.25
nitrite = 0.5

Going to add just a few more ammonia drops to get it close/at 1.0

Then check it tomorrow to see what she does!

If nothing else this is good for learning patience

Again, thanks everyone for the help!!!

 

Just got in and checked, a tad under 24 hours since last check

Ammonia = 0.0 (down from 1.0 last night)
Nitrite = 5.0 (I think its prob higher, the purple is darker than what's on my chart)
Nitrate = 5.0 (is between 5-10 on color its hard to tell, but us from 0)

So, I got the ammonia to nitrite part down, patience is a virtue as I build up the nitrite to nitrate bacteria (which I have some, just not enough)

Since is 5.0+ nitrites, I will do a large water change (80-90%) and put in the same amount of ammonia afterwards.

Is the water conditioner I am putting in the tap each time I put tap in tank affecting my cycle?

 

Is the water conditioner I am putting in the tap each time I put tap in tank affecting my cycle?

No, it isn't. Just curious, are you still dosing the Fluval bio enhancer?

 

No, it isn't. Just curious, are you still dosing the Fluval bio enhancer?

el337, thank you for your reply.

No, just did the 3 day initial cycle.

Do I need too?

 

Well you're staying on top of your nitrites! That's really good so you don't stall out. I don't think it will be but a couple more weeks until you are completely done cycling.

 

el337, thank you for your reply.

No, just did the 3 day initial cycle.

Do I need too?

I'm not familiar with that particular bio booster. Are those the instructions? Just to dose for 3 days?

And after your 80-90% water change, test nitrites to make sure they're below 1 before dosing ammonia again.

 

Well you're staying on top of your nitrites! That's really good so you don't stall out. I don't think it will be but a couple more weeks until you are completely done cycling.

Wraithen, thank you for your reply.

Agree, was really worried I had stalled with the nitrite levels I am having.

Now just patience Give's me time to go fish hunting, had been looking at a Betta, but have seen some really nice Guppy's.. would a Guppy do fine as a single fish, or do they like a group?

I'm not familiar with that particular bio booster. Are those the instructions? Just to dose for 3 days?

And after your 80-90% water change, test nitrites to make sure they're below 1 before dosing ammonia again.

el337, thank you for your reply.

The Fluval Cycle soluiton gave instructions for a 3 day regiment to start the cycle, then it says to put some in each week for maintenance. I was going to wait until the tank cycled and I put fish in it and doing weekly water changes, but if you think I can start using it each week as prescribed during the cycle process.

 

Guppies would be fine alone but they really are not suitable for a 3g. A betta would probably be the best fish to get for that tank size. Maybe add some shrimp or a couple of nerite snails later depending on your betta's temperament.

You wouldn't need any more bacteria supplement after you're cycled. It's just their way of trying to sell more.

 

Guppies would be fine alone but they really are not suitable for a 3g. A betta would probably be the best fish to get for that tank size. Maybe add some shrimp or a couple of nerite snails later depending on your betta's temperament.

You wouldn't need any more bacteria supplement after you're cycled. It's just their way of trying to sell more.

el337, thank you for your reply.

This is why I love this site!

I appreciate the info on the Guppies, I will just stay with my Betta fish (what I was wanting at the start). Just the longer I am looking at the empty tank, the more I imagine more stuff in it

Understand the supplement cycle just a way to sell more, sad that they do that

 

I just wanted to say that your setup looks great!

I have a Fluval III with a male betta, two amano shrip, and a nerite snail that has been running for over two years. It is a awesome little tank!

 

I just wanted to say that your setup looks great!

I have a Fluval III with a male betta, two amano shrip, and a nerite snail that has been running for over two years. It is a awesome little tank!

SecretiveFish, thank you for your reply.

Awesome you have the same tank

Couple of quick questions, if you don't mind.

Did you block the lower water intake slot? I didn't see people talking about doing that until after I got the tank setup, and to put the silicone to block the slot, I would have to drain the tank for an extended period and I am too invested in the cycle process now to hurt it. But I do see some debris on the top of the water and wonder if the lower slot was blocked then all the water would come from the top slots and stuff would get caught in the filter.

Do you keep your water level lower to keep the fish/shrimp/snail from getting out? The tank cover has that one open slot under the light so you cannot have a complete cover of your tank.

Thanks in advance!

Do you have a pic of your tank?

 

Well, just got in, didn't want to wait a full 24 hr to test

Ammonia = 0.25
Nitrite = 1.0
Nitrate = 5.0

That is so much better...

Will not do a water change tonight, will put in a few drops of ammonia to get it back up to or near 1 and then test tomorrow...

 

That does look a lot better. I might have just waited another night to see what happens with those nitrites but I think you're ok dosing close to 1.

 

Did you block the lower water intake slot? ...

No I did not, and I have not had issues as a result.

Do you keep your water level lower to keep the fish/shrimp/snail from getting out? The tank cover has that one open slot under the light so you cannot have a complete cover of your tank...

Knock on wood, I haven't had to in this tank. Sometimes the water level is maybe 1/4" from the top too! I had that problem with my Fluval V though, escaping nerite snails and jumping shrimp, so no longer try to keep in that tank.


I could only find a closeup of my betta in that tank! I will try to take a picture of the entire tank tonight though.

 

No I did not, and I have not had issues as a result.

That makes me feel better, I wound up reading about all this stuff after I had already bought my tank (probably more common than not)... After seeing the thing about the slot, I did follow the logic and was concerned that I should have done this.

Here is a great site that has Spec specific mods if you have not seen it before

Knock on wood, I haven't had to in this tank. Sometimes the water level is maybe 1/4" from the top too! I had that problem with my Fluval V though, escaping nerite snails and jumping shrimp, so no longer try to keep in that tank.

I have seen over and over people reminding to keep the lid closed to keep things from getting out, didn't know if this was going to be a problem as there is no way to "close" it. I hope my experience going forward is the same. I am looking at putting in a single betta or just a couple of shrimp, don't know what yet...

Question, did you put the fish in first then the shrimp, or the other way around? Just curious if it matters.

I could only find a closeup of my betta in that tank! I will try to take a picture of the entire tank tonight though.

That is a beautiful Betta, the color works really nice with the plants! I look forward to seeing your tank, I would love to see how others setup their tanks!

 

That does look a lot better. I might have just waited another night to see what happens with those nitrites but I think you're ok dosing close to 1.

el337, thank you for your reply.

I actually had not done the ammonia dosing before I took a look at the thread, glad I did, so I did not put any ammonia in,

Here are the updated stats with no ammonia added...

Ammonia = 0.00 - 0.25 (cant tell somewhere between the two)
Nitrite = 0.5 (down from 1.0)
Nitrate = 5.0 (same)

Expected a bigger difference...

Why is the nitrate same even though the nitrite went down?

Guess these are good stats, not what expected.

I am guessing I need to put in a small amount of ammonia? Will check to see what you recommend.

 

Did you bang nitrate bottle #2 really hard against a counter or table and then shake it for the good 30 seconds before adding to the tube? Then shake the tube for the full minute before waiting the 5 min to compare it to the color chart? I know it seems silly but a lot of people have gotten less nitrates than what they really are because they didn't shake the bottles hard enough.

Yes, I would dose to 1ppm tonight.

 

Here is my tank.

removed


I have some algae in the front to take care of this weekend. If you look really hard, the rightmost leaf touching the side has an amano shrimp on the top.

How is your tank doing?

 

Did you bang nitrate bottle #2 really hard against a counter or table and then shake it for the good 30 seconds before adding to the tube? Then shake the tube for the full minute before waiting the 5 min to compare it to the color chart? I know it seems silly but a lot of people have gotten less nitrates than what they really are because they didn't shake the bottles hard enough.

el337, thank you for your reply.

I have followed the directions and done the shaking 30 sec of bottle (yep, even banging on the counter top prior to shaking) and 1 minute after combining the solution.

Tonight I doubled the amount of shaking (1 min/2 minutes).

Sadly, I think the readings are correct

Yes, I would dose to 1ppm tonight.

I did that and got the ammonia levels to 0.75 (they were between the 2 colors)

Here is what they are tonight -

Ammonia = 0.0
Nitrite = 5.0 (way up)
Nitrate = 5.0 (same)

Due to the 5.0 of nitrite, I did a 95% water change and waited 30 minutes to test -

Ammonia = 0.0
Nitrite = 0.0
Nitrate = 0.0

I am going to put a couple of drops of Dr Tim's ammonia solution in it after I eat to get it back up...

Here is my tank.

I have some algae in the front to take care of this weekend. If you look really hard, the rightmost leaf touching the side has an amano shrimp on the top.

How is your tank doing?

SecretiveFish, thank you for your reply.

Very nice tank! I like the black and white gravel with the white frame and the black background. The plants really go well with it.

Does your Betta stay at the top, or does he go all over? I am really liking the shrimp, I see many people with them, I would just be worried that the Betta would eat the shrimp

I am getting some brown algae as well, does your shrimp take care of the algae on the decor/gravel?

I am still in my cycle, so no fish, but I did go grab 2 other items for my tank

 

That's strange. The bottles aren't expired, are they? Your nitrites have fallen before so we know the bacteria that converts nitrites are there. If not expired, maybe a faulty bottle? Let's see what happens tomorrow.

It's up to you but it wouldn't hurt dumping a bottle of TSS+ or dosing Seachem stability to help out.

 

That's strange. The bottles aren't expired, are they? Your nitrites have fallen before so we know the bacteria that converts nitrites are there. If not expired, maybe a faulty bottle? Let's see what happens tomorrow.

It's up to you but it wouldn't hurt dumping a bottle of TSS+ or dosing Seachem stability to help out.

el337, thank you for your reply.
Yep, it's like I got the bacteria for one and not the other... wonder how that happened, I must have killed them when I was out of town

Does TSS+ have both types of bactera? If so, I will go to my LPS and grab a bottle (or order it online, love Amazon Prime) and use it. You said to dump the whole bottle? Just making sure I read that correctly.

Yep, when I bought the API Water Testing Kit, I checked the expiration dates, and they are all 5/2021 or 6/2021, but your correct... it could be just a bad bottle, I will call them on Monday and see if they will send me a replacement, barring that I can go buy another bottle if they won't replace it (I need more test tubes anyway).

Again, thank you very very much for all your help during this process!

 

Yes, both TSS+ and Seachem Stability have both nitrifying bacteria. I would probably go with Seachem stability so that you can do water changes if you need to while TSS+ is more like a hands off approach with no water changes allowed.