onetwothree
New Member
Hi All,
Today, I set up my first tank and got ready to cycle it. I purchased my tank 2nd hand, with an old filter which included media. I didn't end up using the old filter, but figured since the media was still good, I'd see if it could provide me with an 'instant' cycle, as I've read that using media with established bacteria can do this. However, when I purchased the tank & filter etc, the seller told me they had emptied the tank around Christmas, so the media was sat in a plastic bag and had presumably been there for some weeks, outside of the filter, tank and water. I've read from many sources that this should kill the bacteria, however I've also read several reports on forums, of media that has been out of water, still providing the immediate cycling results once placed back into water, with some suggesting that this could somehow reanimate the dormant bacteria. I have no idea if this is scientifically possible, but regardless, would make no difference if not, as I would just do a normal cycle.
Once set up, I tested my water and got the following results; PH 6.8, ammonia 0.25, nitrite 0, nitrate 5.0. (cold water, the filter and heater had basically just been turned on).
Today, I tested the water after 24 hours and got the following (image attached); PH 6.6, ammonia 0 (very pale yellow), nitrite 0, nitrate 25 (roughly). All the tests were left to stand for at least 5 mins and completed using API master test kit.
At this point, I haven't even entered anything into the water column to start the cycle as I have read online. I planned on purchasing some fish food which I will begin slowly putting in daily, to breakdown and create ammonia. However, if my understanding is correct, there should be no nitrate present in the results yet if a cycle had not yet begun. The presence of 25 ish PPM nitrate and 0/0 ammonia & nitrite would be results I'd expect to find at the end of the cycle.
So, am I correct in assuming the old media has caused this and has provided me with an environment safe for fish? Is my understanding correct, or is there an error here?
Advice appreciated.
Thanks,
Alex
Today, I set up my first tank and got ready to cycle it. I purchased my tank 2nd hand, with an old filter which included media. I didn't end up using the old filter, but figured since the media was still good, I'd see if it could provide me with an 'instant' cycle, as I've read that using media with established bacteria can do this. However, when I purchased the tank & filter etc, the seller told me they had emptied the tank around Christmas, so the media was sat in a plastic bag and had presumably been there for some weeks, outside of the filter, tank and water. I've read from many sources that this should kill the bacteria, however I've also read several reports on forums, of media that has been out of water, still providing the immediate cycling results once placed back into water, with some suggesting that this could somehow reanimate the dormant bacteria. I have no idea if this is scientifically possible, but regardless, would make no difference if not, as I would just do a normal cycle.
Once set up, I tested my water and got the following results; PH 6.8, ammonia 0.25, nitrite 0, nitrate 5.0. (cold water, the filter and heater had basically just been turned on).
Today, I tested the water after 24 hours and got the following (image attached); PH 6.6, ammonia 0 (very pale yellow), nitrite 0, nitrate 25 (roughly). All the tests were left to stand for at least 5 mins and completed using API master test kit.
At this point, I haven't even entered anything into the water column to start the cycle as I have read online. I planned on purchasing some fish food which I will begin slowly putting in daily, to breakdown and create ammonia. However, if my understanding is correct, there should be no nitrate present in the results yet if a cycle had not yet begun. The presence of 25 ish PPM nitrate and 0/0 ammonia & nitrite would be results I'd expect to find at the end of the cycle.
So, am I correct in assuming the old media has caused this and has provided me with an environment safe for fish? Is my understanding correct, or is there an error here?
Advice appreciated.
Thanks,
Alex