Fish Cycling Tank

[_]im]

Hello,

I have started a 10 gallon tank with some hardy fish, 2 bottom feeder corydoras, one algae eater and 4 mollies. It has been 6 days and I made the mistake perhaps of putting too many fish in for my fish cycle, had it been my choice I would have only put in 2 and then more after I had an established tank. I have an aquaclear mini filter system, thermometer, two plants (natural) and a few objects from an established tank.

SO here's my question, its been 6 days, and my ammonia levels are zero. My nitrite levels are zero, ph is around 7.3. I bought this tank from someone, who had it set up before but had no fish in it (They had put no effort in cycling the tank). Could it be possible that it somehow cycled without fish or anything in it (the seller had fresh gravel and driftwood, that was it), or are my testers incorrect. I should have some reading of ammonia by now but there is absoluetely nothing, could benficial bacteria from the established tank/filter system and the plants be enough to control the ammonia being put out by the fish? I am really confused here, the water looks great and the fish all seem to be doing well, I'm just wondering whats going on!

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[rvm]

Take a sample of water to your LFS, and get them to check it. If it's still 0 readings, I would think that you are probably cycled. Keep an eye on the levels over the next couple of weeks to make sure they stay at 0 though!!

 

[_]im]

Thanks for the help

 

[clutterydrawer]

If you could test for nitrAtes that would be useful - nitrates ar the end product of the cycle, so if they are being produced, you know the nitrogen cycle is underway.

 

[_]im]

Yeah, I have the ph/ammonia/nitrate tests but not the nitrate. Should the lfs test for all of these if I bring it in?

Thanks

 

[clutterydrawer]

Hopefully. You'll have to ask them. You could buy your own if they won't.

 

[headbelt]

Sorry to be naive but whats the deal with cycling a new tank? What do you do and why?

 

[karrihug]

if i am reading correctly the filter came off an established tank, correct? if so, as long as it was on there for a while, you are probably cycled. have the nitrate tested, or get your own. that will tell you.

 

[rvm]

Nitrate readings aren't a definate answer. I have nitrate in my tapwater, so I could put it in a brand new tank with new filter and test for nitrate, and think I was cycled!!! You need to make sure you've had the initial ammonia and nitrite spike.
However if you have 0 ammonia and nitrite after 6 days with fish, then I would think you are cycled. Either that or your test kit is faulty!!

 

[clutterydrawer]

whoops

I meant to tell him to check his tapwater aswell and compare (that would work, right?)

 

[skimpy]

Sorry to be naive but whats the deal with cycling a new tank? What do you do and why

To answer your question you need to get the tank established so that the biological system works in a full cycle, so that the water stays healthy for your fish.

This link my help you to understand the nitrogen cycle and why we need to cycle the tank. Nitrogen Cycle

Hope it helps - Good luck

 

[_]im]

I'll just bring in tap water and tank water and get them to look at both, haha can't hurt and that way I find my answer. Thanks for all the help though, much appreciated.

 

[clutterydrawer]

Sorry to be naive but whats the deal with cycling a new tank? What do you do and why?

There's a really useful and easily-understandable article on it, here:

http/www.fishforums.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=10099