Could this have been the problem?

[Danny Boy]

Ok, I've realised I made a mistake. Following up my recent posts regrading why my fishless cycle seemed to be going nowhere, I decided to cut my loses...and chuck out all the water to start again.

In doing this, I realised that my tank in fact only takes 20 litres of water (or close to)...despite being a 40 litre tank. I had by default, without thinking, added enough dechlorinator when I first filled the tank for 40 litres, meaning I had twice as much as I should have.

Could this be the reason for my cycle not going anywhere, or perhaps making my test kit useless with the amount of chemical present?

I've now refilled the tank, added the right amount of de-c and shall start again adding ammonia. Hopefully this time, it'll be a starter.

 

[debiasir]

I dont think so, I never measure out dechlorinator and just squeze the tube to pour it in. Did this when cycling to and it didnt stop or prevent the cycle

 

[Danny Boy]

I'm wondering if my 'dechlorintor' is actually more than that.

I use Aquasafe, by TetraAqua. I'v just tested my plain tap water, and the pH is 9. After adding this stuff, the pH is 7.8-8 consistently.

 

[SarahBravo]

Some dechlorinators also neutralise ammonia.....good when you've cycled, not good when you're cycling! Check the bottle or the company website to find out if the one you're using does this.

 

[debiasir]

is that the brand that comes in a bright yellow bottle?

 

[Danny Boy]

That's the one.

 

[Danny Boy]

I've checked the website (www.tetra-fish.co.uk) and the bottle. No mention on either of neutralising ammonia.

All it mentioned is chlorine and other 'heavy metals'.

In my limited experience, I can't see anything there to hinder the cycle.

 

[debiasir]

same one as i have used since the day i started to cycle my tanks

sorry cant help further

 

[Danny Boy]

Thanks anyway.