How do I know when the cycle is done?

I am responsible for a couple of aquariums at my daughter's school. One of the aquariums developed a leak this summer and had to be drained and repaired. I was unable to be involved with the repair or to do regular water tests after it was refilled.

Now I am able to check on it a couple times a week and do water tests etc.

The aquarium has run with out fish for about 4 weeks and developed a substantial algae problem. I moved a pleco back into the tank and he took care of all the glass and rocks etc. but not the gravel. I spent a couple of hours last week Friday vacuuming (it's 140gallons) algae off of the gravel and another hour last night doing the same. I removed the pleco and used some algicide to get the upper hand.

My question is this: I can now do somewhat regular water tests (though not daily). I will do my first round of testing tomorrow - if the levels are on par or close can I assume the cycle has completed. Is the algae a sign of an incomplete cycle or (as I assume) at least a sign if an unbalanced chemistry?

Any suggestions as to how I move forward - the kids miss the fish!

 

I'd say it's safe to put fish in now. You could try a few cheap fish to see how they do in the tank.

 

yer after a few weeks I would test it then once all level are right then its safe to add fish

Peace Out Callum!

 

Thanks Allie for the quick reply.

I was planning to try some fish soon - the pleco was in there for over a week and was as fiesty as ever when I was trying to catch him last night to move him.

 

Thank to you too Callum.

I think I'll do a couple of water tests this week yet and if they are close to normal get some fish on the weekend.

 

In order for a tank to cycle it has to have an ammonia source (fish poo, fish food or pure ammonia). Usually takes about 6-8 weeks for the cycle to complete. when the cycle is complete you will have Ammonia 0, Nitrites 0 and Nitrates around 20. Hope this helps
carol

 

How do I know when the cycle is done?

I think you hear a buzzer after the last rinse and spin.

 

How do I know when the cycle is done?

I think you hear a buzzer after the last rinse and spin.

 

jkrale let us know how your water readings are coming along
Carol