Fishless Cycle Quesion.

[Bokonon]

Hi all.

I've done the fishless cycle twice in the past when setting up tanks, however now i am setting up a tank with a previously established filter.
I only started yesterday, yet my ammonia is already starting to drop, from 5 yesterday to about 2ish today, my nitrite levels are still zero, but my nitrate levels are about 7ish.

Im just a little confused how to continue, as it may not follow the normal fishless cycle template, should i just wait until ammonia drops to zero, re-add and then hope nitrites spike then decline? Im just worried that i already have the bacteria that process nitrite, and that they wont peak.

Sorry if this sort of thing has been asked before, but i couldnt find it after searching the forums.

Many Thanks.

 

[Ginga@139]

HI there
like your question im in similsr position
tho my tank had loads of trouble i never had a decent test kit got api master kit
started adding ammonia
but ive never had a big nitrite spike , weather i missed it or it never happen im not sure
will be interested to see wat the guys and gals come up with
have good day
Ginga

EDIT....(15.40) im in middle of spike my purple nitrite test was just hitting bootom and purple which really means donot bother to shake ur so high forget it..lol
only found this out a few hours ago

 

[martinking]

It may take a couple of days for the Ammonia to clear but when it goes back down to 0 just continue to add in the normal fashion.

The nitrites may take a little longer to start rising. Don't worry if your Ammonia is dropping then your Nitrite WILL rise, its just a matter of time.

Im sure the mature media will make a difference but I would be surprised if you didnt go through the spike phase.

Cheers

 

[alchemist]

Even if you do not spot the nitrite spike - which could happen very quickly with mature media - you should still see your nitrates consistently rising. If the nitrates are holding steady then you are not cycled.

 

[OldMan47]

If you have set up a new tank and used an old filter, not just a media sample, it is cycled but may need a few days to adjust to the new load you are putting on it. Do not be too surprised if all you get is the ammonia going quickly yo zero and the nitrates climbing with each ammonia dose.