Fishless Cycling Log - Add & Wait Method

[Skins]

I take it when i get double zeros at 12hrs i then start qualifying week?

 

[Aqua Tom]

I take it when i get double zeros at 12hrs i then start qualifying week?

yes

 

[BIG BAD BARRY]

Day 30 - 12HR TEST

Tested approx 12hrs after dose

Temp 29.6c

Ammonia 0ppm

Nitite 0.5ppm


Filter has been running at less than 50% maximum flow rate. I set it to this at the start of cycling when i seeded the filter. Have increased flow rate to about 70% of max now.

 

[BIG BAD BARRY]

Day 31

Tested approx 24hrs after previous dose

Temp 29.8c

Ph 8.0 - high range ph was a bit lighter.

Ammonia 0ppm - from previous 12hr test

Nitite 0ppm

Nitrate - as yesterday but a bit darker

Added 12.5ml ammonia for 4ppm.

 

[Aqua Tom]

Looking realy good there.

I think it is time to stop the 24 hour testing now Barry. You are very close to the 12 hour double zero's so testing at 24 hours is just a waste of reagent.

Keep a close eye on the PH as it may well be starting to crash. Go & get some Bicarbonate of Soda & keep it handy. If the PH starts to drop you can add this to buffer the water & instantly raise the PH again.

 

[BIG BAD BARRY]

Thanks AquaTom.

I will drop the Nitrite test at 24hrs.
Will continue to monitor the PH and Nitrate. The latter more for my own curiosty to see when it goes off the the scale.

The low range PH is bang on 7.6 and does not look like being any lighter towards the green.
The high range PH is lighter but does not match 7.8 or 7.4.

What are the dosing parameters for the bicarb?

Just checked. Got a load of baking powder but no bicarb! Time to get some.

 

[Aqua Tom]

What are the dosing parameters for the bicarb?

Waterdrop advised me to dose 4 x teaspoons for my 40 uk gallon tank. I dont know wether that is based on the tank size or what. I am sure he will be along soon to enlighten us.

 

[Skins]

When you buy your bicarb Barry make sure it only has sodium bicarbonate in the ingredients.

Keith.

 

[BIG BAD BARRY]

Thanks guys!

 

[BIG BAD BARRY]

Day 31 - 12HR TEST

Tested approx 12hrs after dose

Temp 29.7c

Ammonia - did not test. Happy that it is being processed in 12 hrs.

Nitite - 0.25ppm - quite light so getting there.

Tested PH again - HR PH looks as before; similar to 8.0 and 7.4. The LR PH is bang on 7.6 so im not going to panic,

 

[BIG BAD BARRY]

Day 32

Tested approx 24hrs after previous dose

Temp 29.7c

Ph 8.0 - high range ph was a bit lighter BUT LR PH was bang on 7.6

Ammonia 0ppm

Nitite 0ppm

Nitrate - as yesterday but appears to be losing its brightness

Added 12.5ml ammonia for 4ppm.


I think i may hit double zeros tonight at 12 hr mark.

 

[Aqua Tom]

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I think i may hit double zeros tonight at 12 hr mark.

Fingers crossed for you

 

[Skins]

<>

I think i may hit double zeros tonight at 12 hr mark.

Fingers crossed for you

+1

 

[BIG BAD BARRY]

This is how tank is at the moment.

 

[Skins]

This is how tank is at the moment.

Fingers crossed not for long.