Did I Mess Up On Cycling???

So I got my tank on September 23, and I have been cycling since September 27th. I added ammonia and beneficial bacteria. I've been measuring and ammonia goes down sloooowly. No nitrites but <0.5 nitrates. Didi I do something wrong? I changed the filter on the 25th of September but I hadnt started the cycle yet. Or do I just have to have patience?

 

So I got my tank on September 23, and I have been cycling since September 27th. I added ammonia and beneficial bacteria. I've been measuring and ammonia goes down sloooowly. No nitrites but <0.5 nitrates. Didi I do something wrong? I changed the filter on the 25th of September but I hadnt started the cycle yet. Or do I just have to have patience?

What are you using to test and what type (brand) of ammonia did you use?

What is the ammonia and pH level of your tank?

 

What are you using to test and what type (brand) of ammonia did you use?

What is the pH level of your tank?

Unfortunately, when you changed the filter you would have eliminated much of the beneficial bacteria that had grown to that point.

Both the ammonia and beneficial bacteria are Doctor Tim's. The first bottle of bacteria was dead I believe. So I dosed enough for 10 gallons from a bottle that I knew was good. Maybe I did restart the cycle. But I had barely started cycling. My parents keep asking and asking when I'm getting fish. They think I gave up on them lol. I'm trying to tell my parents that I cant rush this. pH is 7.4 I believe. Temp right now is high. around 85 to increase bacteria population.
Should I add some more bacteria or leave it?

 

Both the ammonia and beneficial bacteria are Doctor Tim's. The first bottle of bacteria was dead I believe. So I dosed enough for 10 gallons from a bottle that I knew was good. Maybe I did restart the cycle. But I had barely started cycling. My parents keep asking and asking when I'm getting fish. They think I gave up on them lol. I'm trying to tell my parents that I cant rush this. pH is 7.4 I believe. Temp right now is high. around 85 to increase bacteria population.

Yeah, the filter comment was dumb on my part . . . I just noticed you were only 2 days into your cycle.

Your temperature (little toasty) and pH should be fine for cycling.

Did I miss the ammonia level of the tank?

 

Yeah, the filter comment was dumb on my part . . . I just noticed you were only 2 days into your cycle.

Your temperature (little toasty) and pH should be fine for cycling.

Did I miss the ammonia level of the tank?

Oh yeah my bad. The Ammonia was at >2ppm 2 days ago. Went down to about 1ppm yesterday. I cant wait to add something but I dont want to kill the thing. Dont want to add it to a faulty tank

 

Oh yeah my bad. The Ammonia was at >2ppm 2 days ago. Went down to about 1ppm yesterday. I cant wait to add something but I dont want to kill the thing. Dont want to add it to a faulty tank

Good for you for being patient!

Seems to me like your cycle is moving along. Because it can take 4 - 6 weeks to fully cycle, I’d suggest you keep monitoring your parameters but give your tank time to do its thing.

About not seeing nitrites. . . That’s not uncommon when using bottled bacteria. I’ve done a couple fishless cycles and never saw nitrites.

 

Good for you for being patient!

Seems to me like your cycle is moving along. Because it can take 4 - 6 weeks to fully cycle, I’d suggest you keep monitoring your parameters but give your tank time to do its thing.

About not seeing nitrites. . . That’s not uncommon when using bottled bacteria. I’ve done a couple fishless cycles and never saw nitrites.

Awesome. Thank you so much for your help!

 

Awesome. Thank you so much for your help!

You’re welcome. Keep this thread updated with how it’s going.

 

You’re welcome. Keep this thread updated with how it’s going.

Will do

 

Sorry, one final suggestion. . . I’d test your tap water for nitrates just to rule out (or in) that the nitrates you’re seeing are from the tap.

 

Sorry, one final suggestion. . . I’d test your tap water for nitrates just to rule out (or in) that the nitrates you’re seeing are from the tap.

Oh yeah I have. Only has 0.25 ammonia. No nitrites or nitrates.
I do a top off 2 times a week cuz of evaporation so ammonia goes up a bit.

 

Oh yeah I have. Only has 0.25 ammonia. No nitrites or nitrates.
I do a top off 2 times a week cuz of evaporation so ammonia goes up a bit.

Once cycled, your tank will handle that level of ammonia.

 

Once cycled, your tank will handle that level of ammonia.

Quick question, the original water I used was from a tub because the kitchen sink is too far from the tank. But when I do top offs, I use sink water from the same bathroom. It should still be fine right?

 

Quick question, the original water I used was from a tub because the kitchen sink is too far from the tank. But when I do top offs, I use sink water from the same bathroom. It should still be fine right?

The water was in the tub or you used a tub faucet?

What size is your tank? Have you considered getting a Python for water changes, assuming that’s not what you’re using? They’re made in different lengths.

 

So long as the tub didn’t have any residue from chemicals, I think you’ll be fine.

What size is your tank? Have you considered getting a Python for water changes, assuming that’s not what you’re using?

The tank is 10 gallons. I'm considering a python because I can use the same sink as my other tank. Any idea how much it would be tho? It would have travel up some stairs

 

25 ft. Python (comes in longer lengths). . .
https://www.amazon.com/Python-Squee...d=1634317089&sprefix=Python+wa,aps,187&sr=8-4

I use a Python, but this looks like a cheaper alternative. . .
https://www.amazon.com/hygger-Autom...317089&sprefix=Python+wa,aps,187&sr=8-15&th=1

If those aren’t options, a 5 gallon bucket would work. I wouldn’t stress about getting water from different faucets though.

 

Alright thank you!

 

The tank is 10 gallons. I'm considering a python because I can use the same sink as my other tank. Any idea how much it would be tho? It would have travel up some stairs

What size is your other (cycled) tank? Could you take some filter media from it to give your uncycled tank a bit of a bump?

 

What size is your other (cycled) tank? Could you take some filter media from it to give your uncycled tank a bit of a bump?

Its a 4 gallon BiOrb. So i cant really move anything as its big clunky rocks instead of gravel.