Newbie - help! stalled cycle?

Hey all ‍♀️

Please bare with me while I write this long post.

I'm currently trying to cycle a 15g Fluval Flex:

5th April

Ammonia - 0
Nitrites - 0
Nitrites - 0

Added 7.5mls Seachem Stability
Added 10 drops Ammonium Chloride


6th April

Ammonia -1
Nitrites - 0
Nitrites - 0

Added 5mls Seachem Stability
Added 10 drops Ammonium Chloride - this brought the ammonia up to 2ppm


7th April

Ammonia -1.5
Nitrites - 0.2
Nitrites - 0

Added 5mls Seachem Stability
Added 5 drops Ammonium Chloride - this brought the ammonia back up to 2ppm
ALSO added was some seeded manky filter wool from a friends cycled tank


8th April

Ammonia -2
Nitrites - 0.5
Nitrites -2

Added 5mls Seachem Stability
Added in some seeded bio media from another friends tank


9th April

Ammonia -0.5-1
Nitrites - 0
Nitrites -5

Added 10mls Seachem Stability
Added 7 drops Ammonium Chloride - this brought the ammonia back to 2ppm


10th April

Ammonia -1
Nitrites - 0
Nitrites -5

Added 7.5mls Seachem Stability


11th April

Ammonia - 0.25
Nitrites - 0
Nitrites -8

Added 10mls Seachem Stability


12th April

Ammonia - 0
Nitrites - 0
Nitrites -10

Added 10mls Seachem Stability
Added 10 drops Ammonium Chloride - this brought the ammonia to 1ppm


13th April

Ammonia - 0.5
Nitrites - 0
Nitrites -10

Added 10mls Seachem Stability
Added 15 drops Ammonium Chloride - this brought the ammonia back to 2ppm

(this night I had an issue, the table tank was on broke, so I had to take water out, move tank to stable table, then I put the water I removed, back in)


14th April

Ammonia -1
Nitrites - 0
Nitrites -10

Added 10mls Seachem Stability


Which brings me to today -15th April

Ammonia -1
Nitrites - 0
Nitrites -10

Added 5mls Seachem Stability
Added 1.5mls Seachem Prime

What has caused the stall of processing ammonia? Was it my moving the tank? If so why did it process ammonia the night after the tank shift but not last night?

ANY help is GREATLY appreciated. I'm totally about to throw in the towel

This tank was meant to be for my 12yr olds birthday back in Feb - she wants a Betta

 

Argh!!!! The ammonia hasn’t shifted at all

What is your pH today? Did you add the crushed coral as mattgirl suggested?

 

What is your pH today? Did you add the crushed coral as mattgirl suggested?

I haven’t got it yet cos had to order it so waiting for it to be shipped. Will just check PH now

What is your pH today? Did you add the crushed coral as mattgirl suggested?

Looks like it’s dropped to 6.6 again.

 

I haven’t got it yet cos had to order it so waiting for it to be shipped. Will just check PH now

Looks like it’s dropped to 6.6 again.

6.6 is absolutely fine for a Betta. Even lower is still fine. I don't think you need corals but it's your choice.

 

So it’s going to be unsafe for a fishy today even with water change?
So sad for Kadee I’ve been trying to get this darn tank cycled since Feb and keep hitting the same issues! One day spike of nitrites then nothing and then the ammonia stalls

 

I haven’t got it yet cos had to order it so waiting for it to be shipped. Will just check PH now

Looks like it’s dropped to 6.6 again.

Your pH could be the reason for the lack of or very slow progress with your cycle.

Sorry if mattgirl already explained this, but when your crushed coral arrives, rinse it very well, put it in a fine media bag and place it in your filter.

Because you seem to be doing everything right, I think the crushed coral is going to help your cycle along. I use it in 3 tanks to buffer and stabilize pH.

6.6 is absolutely fine for a Betta. Even lower is still fine. I don't think you need corals but it's your choice.

We’re not suggesting that the pH needs raised for her Betta. We are suggesting it to help her cycle progress.

Edit to add. . . As pH approaches 6.0, a cycle can stall.

 

We’re not suggesting that the pH be raised for her Betta. We are suggesting it to help her cycle progress.

Ahhh, my bad, sorry.

So it’s going to be unsafe for a fishy today even with water change?
So sad for Kadee I’ve been trying to get this darn tank cycled since Feb and keep hitting the same issues! One day spike of nitrites then nothing and then the ammonia stalls

I'm really sorry this has happened to you. Honestly, with a large water change it could be ok to put a Betta in, not ideal but I'm not going to lie to you. If you do a 75% water change, hope the remaining Ammonia will disappear and get a Betta, it probably won't die. However, at this point, I'd wait a few more days. You're soooo close. Your ammonia should be gone in the next few days, and then it will be safe to add your Betta. Another option is you could get an ammonia neutraliser like Seachem stability. It will convert the Ammonia into a harmless variant caller ammonium that your beneficial bacteria will still be able to eat. But I'd stick to a fishless cycle instead of buying more stuff. I'm just letting you know all your options.

 

Another option is you could get an ammonia neutraliser like Seachem stability. It will convert the Ammonia into a harmless variant caller ammonium that your beneficial bacteria will still be able to eat.

I think you mean Seachem Prime, which detoxifies ammonia and nitrites up to a combined level of 1 ppm. Seachem Stability is a bottled bacteria.

 

Ahhh, my bad, sorry.


I'm really sorry this has happened to you. Honestly, with a large water change it could be ok to put a Betta in, not ideal but I'm not going to lie to you. If you do a 75% water change, hope the remaining Ammonia will disappear and get a Betta, it probably won't die. However, at this point, I'd wait a few more days. You're soooo close. Your ammonia should be gone in the next few days, and then it will be safe to add your Betta. Another option is you could get an ammonia neutraliser like Seachem stability. It will convert the Ammonia into a harmless variant caller ammonium that your beneficial bacteria will still be able to eat. But I'd stick to a fishless cycle instead of buying more stuff. I'm just letting you know all your options.

You mean Seachem Prime? I already use that as my water conditioner.
I also read with low PH that ammonia converts to ammonium anyways so theoretically wouldn’t be harmful to the fish. But I don’t want her first fishy experience to result in a dead fish

I feel like stripping the darn tank washing everything completely and starting again

I’m using Seachem Stability daily too so thought that would boost the BB
Also, will crushed coral make a difference IF my TRUE tap water is also 6.6?
I have a glass of water that was sitting out since last night, I might check the PH in that and see if it’s naturally low (after gasses have evaporated) or weather it’s the cycling causing the PH to drop.
Another question, do Detritus worms cause a drop in PH? Cos the darn tank has these too

 

You mean Seachem Prime? I already use that as my water conditioner.
I also read with low PH that ammonia converts to ammonium anyways so theoretically wouldn’t be harmful to the fish. But I don’t want her first fishy experience to result in a dead fish

I feel like stripping the darn tank washing everything completely and starting again

I’m using Seachem Stability daily too so thought that would boost the BB

Don’t get discouraged! And don’t start over!

Personally, I wouldn’t add a fish and complicate things at this point. I think you’re getting close.

 

Tap water after being in a cup for 18 hours

then the tank water
I just don’t understand why at one point it was chewing 1ppm ammonia overnight and now nothing

 

Please don't start over! The start is always the hardest. Remember, you're creating a functioning eco system inside a closed space. Starting a tank is by far the most difficult part of fishkeeping in my opinion. Detritus worms shouldn't be affecting the pH, and they're harmless. Your Betta might exterminate their tasty selves so I wouldn't worry about them. I genuinely don't have any advice besides keep waiting. I'm really sorry. But don't give up. I know this seems like an absolute nightmare and you're regretting every little thing you've done, ignore that voice. Things will get better

 

Since there are no fish in this tank I am going to suggest you do something to get the pH up while waiting for the crushed coral. I've never done it but others have and it has helped.

Add a tiny bit of baking soda. I am not sure how much it is going to take so it is going to take a bit of experimentation. Start out with a teaspoon of it. It isn't going to hurt anything so don't be afraid of doing it. Let the tank run for about an hour and then run the pH test. Add more if it isn't up to at least 7. Hopefully getting the pH up it will get to work removing that ammonia.

 

Since there are no fish in this tank I am going to suggest you do something to get the pH up while waiting for the crushed coral. I've never done it but others have and it has helped.

Add a tiny bit of baking soda. I am not sure how much it is going to take so it is going to take a bit of experimentation. Start out with a teaspoon of it. It isn't going to hurt anything so don't be afraid of doing it. Let the tank run for about an hour and then run the pH test. Add more if it isn't up to at least 7. Hopefully getting the pH up it will get to work removing that ammonia.

I’m about to go to an aquarium about an hour away, I will see if they have crushed coral that I can purchase, if not I will try your baking soda option, also does api ph up make a difference as I do have some of that but i have a feeling soda is way more natural.

 

I’m about to go to an aquarium about an hour away, I will see if they have crushed coral that I can purchase, if not I will try your baking soda option, also does api ph up make a difference as I do have some of that but i have a feeling soda is way more natural.

The pH up may work just a well. I wouldn't recommend using it long term but in this instance it might be the perfect option. Good thinking.

 

This forum has taught me so many things. Most valuably:

1. Don’t add shi...stuff to your tank that is not absolutely necessary. I used to use everything the store sold me. 90% of that stuff just makes your tank harder to take care of.
2. Don’t rush anything. When you Google stuff that’s someone else’s tank. It’s not yours. I have multiple tanks in my home that are treated the exact same way (same tap, WC on the exact same day, fed the same foods at the same times) and each of them is a completely different environment according to the parameters.
3. This should probably be number one but ride your cycle out naturally. Also, don’t be super neurotic about your cycle (or weird parameter shifts in your tank after it’s cycled that make no sense but are within safe levels.) the cycle takes as long as the cycle takes. I have a tank now that is a full on paradox to any fish person I talk to. If you are 0/0 for a week straight, you are cycled.

 

So the aquarium said, the issue with raising my PH will be that then I will be constantly manipulating it. Said it’s generally when it starts to reach 6 where it will significantly slow the cycling?....

I’m so tempted to strip the whole tank and start over cos it’s full of so much yuk.

I also have these Seachem Readers and even when I had 2ppm ammonium chloride in there it’s never read as toxic - guess that’s proof they are rubbish haha
Am I reading this correctly

Ammonium Trap: It's Not the pH Drop that Gets You...

If I’m using Ammonium Chloride to cycle the tank, and my PH drops below 7, the BB can’t process it?

 

The pH up may work just a well. I wouldn't recommend using it long term but in this instance it might be the perfect option. Good thinking.

Would crushed Oyster Shell work too? The company I ordered the other stuff from have gone away on holiday and won’t be back for a week before they can send it.

Also have done a heap of reading tonight about Ph crashes causing cycling to stall, so I am testing the theory, I’ve used PH Up to get my PH to 7.4, added 2 ppm ammonia and will see how the best 24 hours go and report back. I mean I have nothing to lose really.

We went betta looking today and Kadee couldn’t find anything she really liked which I feel is a blessing in disguise at this current point and time.

 

Would crushed Oyster Shell work too? The company I ordered the other stuff from have gone away on holiday and won’t be back for a week before they can send it.

Also have done a heap of reading tonight about Ph crashes causing cycling to stall, so I am testing the theory, I’ve used PH Up to get my PH to 7.4, added 2 ppm ammonia and will see how the best 24 hours go and report back. I mean I have nothing to lose really.

We went betta looking today and Kadee couldn’t find anything she really liked which I feel is a blessing in disguise at this current point and time.

Yes. oyster shell should work just as well.

Testing this theory out sounds like a good solid plan. I am anxious to see the results.

I know she is anxious to get here fish but I agree, it is a blessing in disguise.

I have to be perfectly honest with you. You aren't the first and certainly won't be the last to be feeling like you are butting your head up against a brick wall while fishless cycling and just feeding the bacteria bottled ammonia.

This thread isn't exactly what you are seeing right now but in my humble opinion still applies. I feel something is missing when bacteria is grown without some natural food. The first post explains my thoughts. Throughout the thread others do agree with my thoughts and some go into detail as to why what is happening is happening. If you don't have time to read the whole thread you can save time by just reading the first post and then the one I have marked as the best answer.

https://www.fishlore.com/aquariumfi...-more-and-more-often-fishless-cycling.477380/

So the aquarium said, the issue with raising my PH will be that then I will be constantly manipulating it. Said it’s generally when it starts to reach 6 where it will significantly slow the cycling?....

I agree with this up to a point. Adding the CC or oyster shell isn't really manipulating the pH. It is basically stabilizing it. You don't have to constantly do anything. It is basically add it and forget it.

I’m so tempted to strip the whole tank and start over cos it’s full of so much yuk.

I know this can be so frustrating but hang in there. Once all of this is behind you you will be glad you did. Personally I would have set the tank up, let it run a day or two to make sure all was working as it should and then added the fish. A single Betta will have such a low bio-load in this size tank weekly water changes alone may do what the cycle will.

I also have these Seachem Readers and even when I had 2ppm ammonium chloride in there it’s never read as toxic - guess that’s proof they are rubbish haha
Am I reading this correctly

Ammonium Trap: It's Not the pH Drop that Gets You...

It's not actually the pH drop that causes the stall. It is what caused the pH drop that causes the problem. Simply put it is the depletion of the minerals that make up the pH number that causes the problem. Others can go into all that entails but getting the pH back up normally gets the cycle moving forward again.

BTW: That was an interesting read. The only thing I don't agree with is the part about changing your filter media. Rinsing off yes, but I don't recommend changing it.

If I’m using Ammonium Chloride to cycle the tank, and my PH drops below 7, the BB can’t process it?

The lower the pH drops the slower the bacteria will grow. The thread I linked above might give you some insight into only using ammonium chloride as your ammonia source.

 

So the aquarium said, the issue with raising my PH will be that then I will be constantly manipulating it.

This is true if you’re using chemicals to raise your pH. I’ve had the same crushed coral in my tanks for over a year and it’s still holding my pH level steady.

 

Yes. oyster shell should work just as well.

Testing this theory out sounds like a good solid plan. I am anxious to see the results.

I know she is anxious to get here fish but I agree, it is a blessing in disguise.

I have to be perfectly honest with you. You aren't the first and certainly won't be the last to be feeling like you are butting your head up against a brick wall while fishless cycling and just feeding the bacteria bottled ammonia.

This thread isn't exactly what you are seeing right now but in my humble opinion still applies. I feel something is missing when bacteria is grown without some natural food. The first post explains my thoughts. Throughout the thread others do agree with my thoughts and some go into detail as to why what is happening is happening. If you don't have time to read the whole thread you can save time by just reading the first post and then the one I have marked as the best answer.

PSA: Something I am seeing more and more often, fishless cycling.... | Aquarium Nitrogen Cycle Forum | 477380

I agree with this up to a point. Adding the CC or oyster shell isn't really manipulating the pH. It is basically stabilizing it. You don't have to constantly do anything. It is basically add it and forget it.

I know this can be so frustrating but hang in there. Once all of this is behind you you will be glad you did. Personally I would have set the tank up, let it run a day or two to make sure all was working as it should and then added the fish. A single Betta will have such a low bio-load in this size tank weekly water changes alone may do what the cycle will.


It's not actually the pH drop that causes the stall. It is what caused the pH drop that causes the problem. Simply put it is the depletion of the minerals that make up the pH number that causes the problem. Others can go into all that entails but getting the pH back up normally gets the cycle moving forward again.

BTW: That was an interesting read. The only thing I don't agree with is the part about changing your filter media. Rinsing off yes, but I don't recommend changing it.


The lower the pH drops the slower the bacteria will grow. The thread I linked above might give you some insight into only using ammonium chloride as your ammonia source.

I will go pick up some Oyster Shell today since I cant get the CC for another week.

I read that thread and it all makes complete sense - that said, its made me want to strip the tank completely and start fresh with the fishy since like you said, a very low bio load for tank size.

I have thrown way more money into this tank that i ever thought would be possible (i orignally tried to cycle it with Dr Tims One and Only which was super expensive and the shop encouraged me to buy 2 bottles of it)

SO......to the test, its only been 12 hours BUT my PH bottomed out. crazily.
Will jump on my phone and add the photos of testing results
Here are the 12hour results after taking the PH to 7.4 and Ammonia to 2ppm

 

We know you have both ammonia and nitrite eating bacteria since the ammonia does go down some, you have no nitrites and you have nitrates. I wouldn't strip the tank down and start over but I would change out most of the water and siphon out any build up of "stuff" that needs to come out.

Adding the oyster shells should stabilize your pH up somewhere close to the same as your tap water. Once you do your water change, add the OS and confirm that the OS is going to help you can go ahead and let Kadee pick out her fish.

If she can't find the one she wants right away add enough ammonia to get it up to no more than 1ppm. If it is not back down to zero within 24 hours I would start adding a tiny pinch of crushed flakes daily for at least a week. Hopefully it will process the 1ppm.

 

Hey all ‍♀

Please bare with me while I write this long post.

I'm currently trying to cycle a 15g Fluval Flex:

5th April

Ammonia - 0
Nitrites - 0
Nitrites - 0

Added 7.5mls Seachem Stability
Added 10 drops Ammonium Chloride


6th April

Ammonia -1
Nitrites - 0
Nitrites - 0

Added 5mls Seachem Stability
Added 10 drops Ammonium Chloride - this brought the ammonia up to 2ppm


7th April

Ammonia -1.5
Nitrites - 0.2
Nitrites - 0

Added 5mls Seachem Stability
Added 5 drops Ammonium Chloride - this brought the ammonia back up to 2ppm
ALSO added was some seeded manky filter wool from a friends cycled tank


8th April

Ammonia -2
Nitrites - 0.5
Nitrites -2

Added 5mls Seachem Stability
Added in some seeded bio media from another friends tank


9th April

Ammonia -0.5-1
Nitrites - 0
Nitrites -5

Added 10mls Seachem Stability
Added 7 drops Ammonium Chloride - this brought the ammonia back to 2ppm


10th April

Ammonia -1
Nitrites - 0
Nitrites -5

Added 7.5mls Seachem Stability


11th April

Ammonia - 0.25
Nitrites - 0
Nitrites -8

Added 10mls Seachem Stability


12th April

Ammonia - 0
Nitrites - 0
Nitrites -10

Added 10mls Seachem Stability
Added 10 drops Ammonium Chloride - this brought the ammonia to 1ppm


13th April

Ammonia - 0.5
Nitrites - 0
Nitrites -10

Added 10mls Seachem Stability
Added 15 drops Ammonium Chloride - this brought the ammonia back to 2ppm

(this night I had an issue, the table tank was on broke, so I had to take water out, move tank to stable table, then I put the water I removed, back in)


14th April

Ammonia -1
Nitrites - 0
Nitrites -10

Added 10mls Seachem Stability


Which brings me to today -15th April

Ammonia -1
Nitrites - 0
Nitrites -10

Added 5mls Seachem Stability
Added 1.5mls Seachem Prime

What has caused the stall of processing ammonia? Was it my moving the tank? If so why did it process ammonia the night after the tank shift but not last night?

ANY help is GREATLY appreciated. I'm totally about to throw in the towel

This tank was meant to be for my 12yr olds birthday back in Feb - she wants a Betta

If I were you I’d dose beneficial bacteria and add cycled media and do a 50% water change Then you can easily start adding fish just do it slowly

 

If I were you I’d dose beneficial bacteria and add cycled media and do a 50% water change Then you can easily start adding fish just do it slowly

I had been dozing BB daily (seachem stability) and at 2 diff points I also added in cycled media from 2 friends tanks.

 

Ok ur good for fish
Go slow though

 

We know you have both ammonia and nitrite eating bacteria since the ammonia does go down some, you have no nitrites and you have nitrates. I wouldn't strip the tank down and start over but I would change out most of the water and siphon out any build up of "stuff" that needs to come out.

Adding the oyster shells should stabilize your pH up somewhere close to the same as your tap water. Once you do your water change, add the OS and confirm that the OS is going to help you can go ahead and let Kadee pick out her fish.

If she can't find the one she wants right away add enough ammonia to get it up to no more than 1ppm. If it is not back down to zero within 24 hours I would start adding a tiny pinch of crushed flakes daily for at least a week. Hopefully it will process the 1ppm.

What’s your thoughts on getting some Tetras to complete the cycle? Feels kinda mean cos they would kinda be like sacrificial fish (but not cos I won’t be trying to kill them I’ll do al I can to keep them happy and alive)

 

What’s your thoughts on getting some Tetras to complete the cycle? Feels kinda mean cos they would kinda be like sacrificial fish (but not cos I won’t be trying to kill them I’ll do al I can to keep them happy and alive)

Don’t do tetras, I would do like cories, rice fish or something hard to kill look for peppered cories and rice fish. if I were you also( if your kid minds ) I would get a fish besides a betta because they can have problems very commonly unless They are from a breeder, wild mahachaiensis betta are very hardy and have a nice green color and can be kept in groups. Apistogramma borelli are hardy coldwater dwarf chiclids that are super peaceful and you could make a nice breeding group with some cories and ricefish and both are adapted to hard water and paradise gourami are cool too. But do what you want, I would recommend tetras for a 20 gal tank cause most of them like being crowded but not in a small tank. 6 cories 12 ricefish and a betta mahachaiensis or apistogramma borelli group of 4 could work out well

 

What’s your thoughts on getting some Tetras to complete the cycle? Feels kinda mean cos they would kinda be like sacrificial fish (but not cos I won’t be trying to kill them I’ll do al I can to keep them happy and alive)

I wouldn't have a problem adding some but they may not get along with a betta. Or I should say, I don't know if a betta would accept them. What kind of tetra's were you thinking about getting?

 

I wouldn't have a problem adding some but they may not get along with a betta. Or I should say, I don't know if a betta would accept them. What kind of tetra's were you thinking about getting?

I recommend ember tetras. They're very small so your Betta is very unlikely to care about them. It also means they'll be happier in a 15G compared to something like neons, who need more space. They're also bright orange when healthy, they look really nice imo.

 

I recommend ember tetras. They're very small so your Betta is very unlikely to care about them. It also means they'll be happier in a 15G compared to something like neons, who need more space. They're also bright orange when healthy, they look really nice imo.

I wouldn’t do embers they could be betta bait

 

I wouldn’t do embers they could be betta bait

I doubt it. Tetras are lightning fast. A Betta wouldn't be able to catch them if it tried, not that most bettas would. If OP ended up with a particularly grumpy Betta it would still give up chasing them after realising it can't catch them. That's why tetras are such good Betta tankmates.

 

How much Crushed OS should I add?

I’m bout to clean glass, siphon gravel, do a huge water change then refill with prime treated water (while doing this I will put my filter media in a bucket of the old water, then put media only back in once filled with fresh treated water.

I have the shop holding the last of their ember tetras (only had 4 left) for me to add once I’ve reset tank up.

 

How much Crushed OS should I add?

I’m bout to clean glass, siphon gravel, do a huge water change then refill with prime treated water (while doing this I will put my filter media in a bucket of the old water, then put media only back in once filled with fresh treated water.

I have the shop holding the last of their ember tetras (only had 4 left) for me to add once I’ve reset tank up.

Ahh, I'm sorry no one has replied to you yet. Since there's no fish in yet, be conservative but experiment with amounts to add. If you end up going to 8.5 or something, welp, you can always do a water change. Just fyi, tetras prefer soft water so if you add this you might need to wait a bit before adding them.

Edit: And listen to mattgirl more than me. ⬇️

 

How much crushed coral should I add?

I’m bout to clean glass, siphon gravel, do a huge water change then refill with prime treated water (while doing this I will put my filter media in a bucket of the old water, then put media only back in once filled with fresh treated water.

I have the shop holding the last of their ember tetras (only had 4 left) for me to add once I’ve reset tank up.

I would start with about a cup of it. If you don't have a media bag with a weave small enough for the OS not to fall through you can use a piece of panty hose. Normally I recommend rinsing it first but since there are no fish in the tank it isn't as important to rinse it as it would be if there were fish. If it is rinsed first it will take a few days for it to start raising the pH. Put it in there without rinsing and it should raise the pH fairly quick if it is going to do so.

The 4 little guys should work out well. Not too much but still enough to grow and feed the bacteria. Should the ammonia start going up just keep it down with water changes and add Prime to detox any that might be left after a water change. I am actually thinking you won't get an ammonia spike but it is best to be prepared just in case.

 

I would start with about a cup of it. If you don't have a media bag with a weave small enough for the OS not to fall through you can use a piece of panty hose. Normally I recommend rinsing it first but since there are no fish in the tank it isn't as important to rinse it as it would be if there were fish. If it is rinsed first it will take a few days for it to start raising the pH. Put it in there without rinsing and it should raise the pH fairly quick if it is going to do so.

The 4 little guys should work out well. Not too much but still enough to grow and feed the bacteria. Should the ammonia start going up just keep it down with water changes and add Prime to detox any that might be left after a water change. I am actually thinking you won't get an ammonia spike but it is best to be prepared just in case.

I’ve added this much in a media bag! Will see where that takes me? Cos I only got the single 500g bag, can easily get more if needed though

 

I’ve added this much in a media bag! Will see where that takes me? Cos I only got the single 500g bag, can easily get more if needed though

This should be enough to get the job done if it is going to work.

 

This should be enough to get the job done if it is going to work.

Thank you!

Ok so I pulled my media out and stored it in a bucket of old tank water, with an air stone running.
Cleaned the glass and the substrate as it was DISGUSTING (so many detritus worms all under the substrate)
Drained the rest of the tank water.
Refilled tank, put in the water conditioner, waited 2 hours then returned the media back into the tank (such a mish as I have a ton of it (250g ceramic media, 500gs fluval matrix, filter wool, course sponge), haha)
I put the Crushed Oyster Shell (after rinsing it) next to my filter pump so its the last bit of "media" the water goes through before going through the pump.

Readings:
PH - 7.2
Ammo - 0
Nitrites - 0
Nitrates - 0

Tomorrow I will go get the 4 Ember Tetra that they have on hold for me, plus a friend is bringing over some cycled filter wool for additional protection.

My question tonight is, should I put some fish food in there until I get the fish tomorrow? And should I added Seachem Stability?

Again thank you all for helping me through this ever so painful process - NEVER again will I cycle with bottled Ammonium Chloride EVER!!

 

Thank you!

Ok so I pulled my media out and stored it in a bucket of old tank water, with an air stone running.
Cleaned the glass and the substrate as it was DISGUSTING (so many detritus worms all under the substrate)
Drained the rest of the tank water.
Refilled tank, put in the water conditioner, waited 2 hours then returned the media back into the tank (such a mish as I have a ton of it (250g ceramic media, 500gs fluval matrix, filter wool, course sponge), haha)
I put the Crushed Oyster Shell (after rinsing it) next to my filter pump so its the last bit of "media" the water goes through before going through the pump.

Readings:
PH - 7.2
Ammo - 0
Nitrites - 0
Nitrates - 0

Tomorrow I will go get the 4 Ember Tetra that they have on hold for me, plus a friend is bringing over some cycled filter wool for additional protection.

My question tonight is, should I put some fish food in there until I get the fish tomorrow? And should I added Seachem Stability?

Again thank you all for helping me through this ever so painful process - NEVER again will I cycle with bottled Ammonium Chloride EVER!!

Personally, I would add a very small amount of food. Just enough to sustain the bacteria until you get the fish. That way hopefully your ammonia will remain at 0. And you use prime as your dechlorinator, right? It also detoxifies ammonia, so if levels are ever high, you can do water changes and dose prime. The tests will still show ammonia, but it will be a harmless variant called ammonium.

 

Whether you add fish food or not it up to you. Since you just changed out the water and have been having these issue, I'm thinking finely crushed food may not hurt. Just add enough to feed the four tetras.

As for adding Stability, that is up to you as well. These are only 4 small fish so I personally do not think it is necessary. However a lot of people will add bottled BB when adding fish. I will when starting up a new tank that has not been cycled. I use seeded media from my other tanks and pour in some BB for a boost. I also add it when adding a lot of fish.

A side note about the seachem ammonia alert.... I remember reading eons ago when they came out that they do not work well in acidic water because they do not pick up ammonium.

Another side note, in the future if you run out of COS (crushed oyster shell) and decide to set up another tank- MTS is a thing, you've been warned >.< - you could also use cuttle bone- found in the bird section, or aragonite substrate- used with cichlids and reef tanks. Or baking soda.... that one is a little trickier to use, luckily all you'd need it for is cycling.

 

I put a pinch of fluval bug bites in a little container with tank water and smooshed it up until it was dissolved in the water and poured into the tank, thought a little food in there can’t hurt!

Hmmm just read about Embers and the PH levels, I may have to remove the OS as it’s raised my PH to 7.2 and it seems that’s too high for Embers.
Argh

I’m looking at harlequin rasbora, these be ok or am I better off still getting just the 4 ember tetra? GuppyGal7 - it also suggests no less than 5 Embers but shop only has 4 left

Whether you add fish food or not it up to you. Since you just changed out the water and have been having these issue, I'm thinking finely crushed food may not hurt. Just add enough to feed the four tetras.

As for adding Stability, that is up to you as well. These are only 4 small fish so I personally do not think it is necessary. However a lot of people will add bottled BB when adding fish. I will when starting up a new tank that has not been cycled. I use seeded media from my other tanks and pour in some BB for a boost. I also add it when adding a lot of fish.

A side note about the seachem ammonia alert.... I remember reading eons ago when they came out that they do not work well in acidic water because they do not pick up ammonium.

Another side note, in the future if you run out of COS (crushed oyster shell) and decide to set up another tank- MTS is a thing, you've been warned >.< - you could also use cuttle bone- found in the bird section, or aragonite substrate- used with cichlids and reef tanks. Or baking soda.... that one is a little trickier to use, luckily all you'd need it for is cycling.

Lol I have had a few friends warn me about MTS however after this headache I’m not so sure that’s going to be an issue in my house

 

Keep in mind most of the fish available to us are many many generations away from their wild cousins. I would keep the OS in there to keep your pH stable. A lot of the pH levels you read that fish need are based on the waters the fish originally came from.

Adding the pinch of fish food was the right thing to do.

Since you are getting more seeded media adding stability is not needed. Personally I would not add it. Some bottled bacteria's mess with the numbers.