Carbon In Cycle Qu

[dirtydog]

I started my cycle 2 or 3 days ago with ammonia at 6ppm ish. im using a 2nd hand canister filter which had wet media in bags when it arrived (im guessing its carbon.)
i tested today apx 48hours after adding the ammonia and its at 0. nitrite also at 0.
could it be there was good bacteria in the filter media or is the carbon getting rid of the ammonia and giving me no nitrite spike? do I need to remove media or do you think my media has good bacteria in it?? how often should I test to check?
the media I have is 4 sponges, 2 trays of balls and 2 bags of carbon.

thanks!

 

[WILDER]

Remove the carbon you don't need it in.

 

[dirtydog]

thanks - will it be messing up my readings?

 

[WILDER]

Its only good for removing chemicals from the tank.
Your sponges will mature faster without it in.

 

[dirtydog]

well ive just tested the water.
my ammonia has gone from 4-5ppm to around 1ppm since my last post.
nitrite 0.5-1
nitrate around 90

I havent removed anything yet but its giving me the impression of being cycled as my ammonia has gone down and my nitrates have gone up but my nitrite confuses me. should I add anymore ammonia or test again in the morning?

 

[GoldLenny]

You aren't fully cycled yet since you are still showing ammonia and nitrites. How long have you been fishless cycling? You should dose it to 4-5ppm per day. Try to stick to a schedule so you can monitor things more accurately.

 

[dirtydog]

like i said only a few days. ive realised now that as i have started to get a nitrite reading i keep adding ammonia to 3-4ppm until it spikes and goes to 0.... then big water change and im ready?!
thx

 

[rdd1952]

What is the nitrate level in your tap water? 90 ppm is way too high if you've only been cycling for a few days.