Nitrogen Cycle Taking Awhile

hello!

I have had my betta in a 3.5 gallon filtered and heated tank (~78 degrees) for 4 weeks now, and I’m confused about the cycling in my tank. I thought the nitrogen cycle was supposed to be done by now, but mine is not.

My last test (API freshwaster master test kit) read ammonia as .25-.5 ppm (I have a hard time telling the shades of green apart), nitrites as .25 ppm, and no nitrates. I’ve been using prime with quarter water changes every other day to protect my betta from the ammonia and nitrites.

Am I doing something wrong or is it normal to take this long? Is there anything I can do to help my tank and fish during the cycling time? Thank you!

 

It can take long than 4 weeks, it’s different for everyone. Might I suggest getting some Tetra Safe Start Plus to help you along?

 

Agree with above. It can take longer ,sometimes as long as 3 months. The other thing is smaller tanks tend to lose a cycle quite easily.

1 question what is your PH? Beneficial bacteria grows very slowly in a ph lower then 7.0.

 

It can take long than 4 weeks, it’s different for everyone. Might I suggest getting some Tetra Safe Start Plus to help you along?

Good to know thanks! And I’m not familiar with safe start plus. What does that do?

 

Agree with above. It can take longer ,sometimes as long as 3 months. The other thing is smaller tanks tend to lose a cycle quite easily.

1 question what is your PH? Beneficial bacteria grows very slowly in a ph lower then 7.0.

My pH is about 7.5 (again I’m bad at reading the colors but it’s definitely above 7)

 

TSS+ is a bacterial supplement. It is basically nitrifying bacteria in a bottle.
The PH is good, as long as it stays stable for you.

 

Any tips on how to add TSS to my tank (I just recently got the time to do this)? Can I add it with my fish in there? And how much should I add to my 3.5 gallon tank?

 

Any tips on how to add TSS to my tank (I just recently got the time to do this)? Can I add it with my fish in there? And how much should I add to my 3.5 gallon tank?

The dosage should be right on the bottle. I usually add that right in my filter.
It is safe for fish.

 

Any update? How's everything going?

 

I will be wondering as well. I have been fishless cycling my 46 gallon. Started Sept. 6. Have gone through ammonia stage and now I am battling high nitrites. Just went through about a week of water changes and finally added TSS+. Now started see some nitrates finally. Hopefully I will see the nitrites disappear soon.

 

I will be wondering as well. I have been fishless cycling my 46 gallon. Started Sept. 6. Have gone through ammonia stage and now I am battling high nitrites. Just went through about a week of water changes and finally added TSS+. Now started see some nitrates finally. Hopefully I will see the nitrites disappear soon.

Yeah the high nitrites can last a while. Once you start getting nitrates it doesn't take much longer.