Fishless cycle not working

[TheWaterBoy]

It wont cycle for some reason. Could it be the filter? its a aquaclear HOB and a undergravel.

The nitrites has been at 1.0 for a while and the Nitrate has been 10 for a long time.

Ammonia stays high, I keep adding everyday like everyone said and it just goes up its never spiked and came back down.

Could it be how I am testing. I just collect the water from the surface. Should I try to go deeper. I have heard that nitrites stay more concentrated at the bottom.

BTW, my ammonia source is good.

 

[modernhamlet]

Here is where I disagree with orthodoxy on the matter.

People say to keep adding ammonia everyday, no matter what. I disagree. I think that at some point above 5ppm adding more ammonia will actually have a detrimental effect on the cycle. In your case, you've been adding ammonia for 40+ days. That means your ammonia level must be completely off the charts, in the hundreds of ppm. That can't be a good environment, even for nitrifying bacteria.

I would suggest a couple of very large water changes to get your tank back to the point where you can actually tell how much ammonia you've got in there. Basically bring it down so it's no longer "off the chart". 5ppm or so is fine.

Then add more bacteria from a trusted source. Filter media or gravel from an established tank are ideal.

That's my $0.02 on getting back on track.

Good luck!

 

[thecichlidaddict]

I agree with MH.

 

[TheWaterBoy]

I figured this would be the best solution. I will get it under control.

I know this has been asked before but when I add the water can I add it with a python and just put the dechlorinater in it before hand or will adding the water directly kill the good stuff before it has time to mix and dechlorinate.

 

[thecichlidaddict]

Adding the dechlorinator first is fine, that stuff works instantly.

This is a generalization that will work for most people. If your tap water contains an unusually high amount of chlorine you would be safer to mix it first.

 

[TheWaterBoy]

Off topic but I thought I would ask here instead of make another thread. Does anyone know of a good site that has info on biotopes. I think thats what there called when you stock your tank w/ fish from a certain region.

 

[modernhamlet]

Off topic but I thought I would ask here instead of make another thread. Does anyone know of a good site that has info on biotopes. I think thats what there called when you stock your tank w/ fish from a certain region.

http/www.mongabay.com/fish/biotope.htm

18 Biotopes described, with links to other biotope sites as well.

There are also some good ideas here:

http/badmanstropicalfish.com/bio-type.html

 

[TheWaterBoy]

Thank You B)

 

[modernhamlet]

No problem. I'm always happy to spread the biotope gospel!