Fishless Beta Tank Cycle

So I only started cycling a few days ago and I'm wondering without checking ammonia will I be able to tell how its doing? I have test strips and using fish food for my ammonia.
0 nitrates
0 nitrites
GH 150
Alkalinity between 80 and 120
Ph around 7.2

 

Well, the test strips are pretty much worthless. If you can, you should get the API Master Liquid Kit.

Why are you not checking ammonia?

Since you don't have any readings for nitrites or nitrates, it's safe to assume you have some kind of ammonia and your tank is still cycling.

 

I think the OP is not checking ammonia because the test strips don't test for ammonia.

Which is part of the reason these strips are worthless. The other reason is because they are known to be very inaccurate. I understand they are more affordable, but they literally give you the wrong reading, so they don't even work. I get it, you want to save some money... but honestly, the money you spent on the test strips was a waste, because they don't even do a reading for ammonia, which is super important, but the readings they do give are oftentimes wrong.

 

Well, the test strips are pretty much worthless. If you can, you should get the API Master Liquid Kit.

Why are you not checking ammonia?

Since you don't have any readings for nitrites or nitrates, it's safe to assume you have some kind of ammonia and your tank is still cycling.

I'm ordering a master kit tomorrow, just had to wait till pay day lol I spent like half my check on my other tank. But sense I haven't seen nitrate or nitrite at all that's why I was wondering

 

I can't for the life of me understand why one of the most important tests doesn't come with the test strips.

This is why so many of us do recommend the API test kit. It includes everything one needs to keep an eye on wht is happening in their tank.

By adding fish food you aren't going to be able to accurately control the amount of ammonia and without a test to test it you can't know. Since you just started this cycle a few days ago you may have some ammonia but it is too early in the cycle to start seeing nitrites or nitrates.

 

I can't for the life of me understand why one of the most important tests doesn't come with the test strips.

This is why so many of us do recommend the API test kit. It includes everything one needs to keep an eye on wht is happening in their tank.

By adding fish food you aren't going to be able to accurately control the amount of ammonia and without a test to test it you can't know. Since you just started this cycle a few days ago you may have some ammonia but it is too early in the cycle to start seeing nitrites or nitrates.

Thank you! I still need to pick up a heater tomorrow as well and I'm sure that will help

 

I just caught where you said you spent all you available fish allowance on your other tank. Do you have an already cycled tank?

 

Its almost there but is still a very young tank. Only a few weeks. I learned my lessons the hard way with my current tank and still battling nitrites

Also, my substrate is crushed coral which I got to help raise ph in my other tank. If my ph is only barely above 7 with all coral how can a bag of it in my filter possibly raise my struggling ph?

 

I understand not wanting to disturb your other tank since it is still new and struggling. The crushed coral will only raise the PH a small amount. I use crushed coral, cuttlebone and seashells in my tanks to hold my PH at 7.2. It never goes any higher than that but 7.2 is fine. Stable is much more important than a specific number. PH below 6.5 or so does seem to be detrimental to ones cycle but fish can get acclimated to even a PH that low.

The coral isn't an instant fix. It takes time for it to dissolve and that is what raises the PH.

 

I understand not wanting to disturb your other tank since it is still new and struggling. The crushed coral will only raise the PH a small amount. I use crushed coral, cuttlebone and seashells in my tanks to hold my PH at 7.2. It never goes any higher than that but 7.2 is fine. Stable is much more important than a specific number. PH below 6.5 or so does seem to be detrimental to ones cycle but fish can get acclimated to even a PH that low.

The coral isn't an instant fix. It takes time for it to dissolve and that is what raises the PH.

Would it help raise ph better if I put shells in? It's my 20 gallon and I can't seem to get the ph above around 6.8 and that's not helping my cycle and I'm worried about my poor snail

 

Would it help raise ph better if I put shells in? It's my 20 gallon and I can't seem to get the ph above around 6.8 and that's not helping my cycle and I'm worried about my poor snail

Your cycle should complete with a PH of 6.8 and your fish should acclimate to it just fine.

Do you have the test kit to test the hardness of your water? It is the kh/gh test. I tested mine and it is fairly soft but is still hard enough to keep my PH stable at 7.2 I actually think the seashells are doing the job for me but wanted to go ahead and also add the cuttlebone and crushed coral to help.

I had a lot of seashells, both big and small. Most of my big ones are just about gone and I am getting low on small ones so will have to find a source for more in the near future. They dissolve very slowly so have to be replaced from time to time.

 

Your cycle should complete with a PH of 6.8 and your fish should acclimate to it just fine.

Do you have the test kit to test the hardness of your water? It is the kh/gh test. I tested mine and it is fairly soft but is still hard enough to keep my PH stable at 7.2 I actually think the seashells are doing the job for me but wanted to go ahead and also add the cuttlebone and crushed coral to help.

I had a lot of seashells, both big and small. Most of my big ones are just about gone and I am getting low on small ones so will have to find a source for more in the near future. They dissolve very slowly so have to be replaced from time to time.

It's soft water... I have been trying to raise it for weeks

 

It's soft water... I have been trying to raise it for weeks

You may just have to accept that it is what it is and not stress over the number. Unless you plan on having fish that absolutely have to have a specific PH level it may be better to just leave it where it is instead of trying to fight it.

 

You may just have to accept that it is what it is and not stress over the number. Unless you plan on having fish that absolutely have to have a specific PH level it may be better to just leave it where it is instead of trying to fight it.

My concern is it being too acidic because of my snail

 

My concern is it being too acidic because of my snail

I do understand your concern. Is it possible for you to get some seashell or maybe oyster grit? I am pretty sure oyster grit is just ground up oyster shells. Since it seems the crushed coral isn't helping you may want to try the oyster grit or seashells.

 

I do understand your concern. Is it possible for you to get some seashell or maybe oyster grit? I am pretty sure oyster grit is just ground up oyster shells. Since it seems the crushed coral isn't helping you may want to try the oyster grit or seashells.

I would assume I could get sea shells at petco or petsmart? They would also look pretty in my tank