High nitrites, heavily planted fishless new cycle

If you don't plan on getting fish soon continue adding the fish food. We want to keep the bacteria fed. Do your water change the day before you plan on adding fish. It shouldn't be a problem if you aren't able to vacuum all the excess food out. A strong cycle (enough bacteria) should be able to handle any ammonia it will be producing. In time the slight cloudiness should clear up.

BTW: Adding the Turbo Start was a smart move. I have been reading good words about this product. It apparently contains the right kinds of bacteria so it does seem to give the cycle the boost it needs.

 

If you don't plan on getting fish soon continue adding the fish food. We want to keep the bacteria fed. Do your water change the day before you plan on adding fish. It shouldn't be a problem if you aren't able to vacuum all the excess food out. A strong cycle (enough bacteria) should be able to handle any ammonia it will be producing. In time the slight cloudiness should clear up.

BTW: Adding the Turbo Start was a smart move. I have been reading good words about this product. It apparently contains the right kinds of bacteria so it does seem to give the cycle the boost it needs.

Yes I’m glad I came across it; will keep it handy for future tanks

What percentage of water should I remove?

Would it be advisable to keep checking the levels over the next couple of days before adding fish?

It’s been a long wait and trying to reign myself in here

Thank you!

If you don't plan on getting fish soon continue adding the fish food. We want to keep the bacteria fed. Do your water change the day before you plan on adding fish. It shouldn't be a problem if you aren't able to vacuum all the excess food out. A strong cycle (enough bacteria) should be able to handle any ammonia it will be producing. In time the slight cloudiness should clear up.

BTW: Adding the Turbo Start was a smart move. I have been reading good words about this product. It apparently contains the right kinds of bacteria so it does seem to give the cycle the boost it needs.

Apologies one more question.

The tank is heavily planted and there’s been some decent melting/detritus accumulated in the filters.

Should I attempt to clean it up a bit? Obvs don’t want to remove beneficial bacteria but wondering how effectively the filters are working right now with all the sludge lol

 

Yes I’m glad I came across it; will keep it handy for future tanks

What percentage of water should I remove?

normally the water change is done to lower the nitrates. Since yours are not sky high we don't need to lower them but I like to start fish off with fresh clean water so still recommend changing out half of it.

Would it be advisable to keep checking the levels over the next couple of days before adding fish?

It’s been a long wait and trying to reign myself in here

Thank you!

It is never a bad idea to keep an eye on the numbers in a newly cycled tank. There are still going to be delicate until they get firmly established. A tank should be firmly established after 6 months. Maybe sooner but I like to give them all the time they need before disturbing the bacteria.

Apologies one more question.

The tank is heavily planted and there’s been some decent melting/detritus accumulated in the filters.

Should I attempt to clean it up a bit? Obvs don’t want to remove beneficial bacteria but wondering how effectively the filters are working right now with all the sludge lol

It should be safe to go ahead and clean the media off in some water you have pulled from the tank. As long as the water is still flowing through it freely it may not need cleaning but if it has slowed down it does need to be cleaned.

 

normally the water change is done to lower the nitrates. Since yours are not sky high we don't need to lower them but I like to start fish off with fresh clean water so still recommend changing out half of it.

It is never a bad idea to keep an eye on the numbers in a newly cycled tank. There are still going to be delicate until they get firmly established. A tank should be firmly established after 6 months. Maybe sooner but I like to give them all the time they need before disturbing the bacteria.

It should be safe to go ahead and clean the media off in some water you have pulled from the tank. As long as the water is still flowing through it freely it may not need cleaning but if it has slowed down it does need to be cleaned.

Thank you!!