My Cycle Has Begun!!!

Hello all!

I am pleased to say that my cycle has finally FINALLY begun!

Tested parameters today and;

pH: 6.8-7.0
Nitrates: ~3.0ppm
Nitrites: 5.0ppm
Ammonia: 0.50ppm

Alarmed at the ammonia and nitrite levels, I did a 40% water change and re tested the water;

pH: 6.8-7.0
Nitrates: ~2.0ppm
Nitrites: 2.0ppm
Ammonia: 0-0.25ppm

Up until this point, my ammonia has always been somewhat positive, and nitrates/nitrites at zero.

How long until that yucky nitrite converts to nitrates? I do have some fairly sensitive fish that I am concerned for.

Any suggestions are welcomed.

Thanks!

 

Is this your 36g and is the stock in your profile correct? I would be doing another large water change to get those nitrites down. They're too high right now since you're doing a fish-in cycle. Keep the ammonia and nitrite close to 0 and use Prime to detox them while cycling.

There's no definite timeline to when you will be done cycling. Are you using a bacteria supplement?

 

Is this your 36g and is the stock in your profile correct? I would be doing another large water change to get those nitrites down. They're too high right now since you're doing a fish-in cycle. Keep the ammonia and nitrite close to 0 and use Prime to detox them while cycling.

There's no definite timeline to when you will be done cycling. Are you using a bacteria supplement?

Okay, do another large water change NOW or wait 24 hours? Yes, using Prime. This is my 36 G, yes. So I'm definitely concerned.

 

I would do another large water of at least 50% to get the nitrites under 1, if possible. If you can't, you could add a double dose of Prime until tomorrow when you can do the water change.

 

Okay, thank you. I won't be able to do one tonight, but I can add another dose of Prime to make it through the night. I'll do another 40% water change first thing in the morning.