In The Beginning There Was A Tank.....a Small Tank

[daizeUK]

It can be hard to tell the colour from photos sometimes.  If I looked at that photo I'd say it matched the 8ppm mark but you've got a better view of the results so if you think it's 3ppm then it probably is.  As long as ammonia is going down and nitrite is going up then just sit back and watch

 

[Glensmole]

Day 17 of testing.  So I think the Nitrite is showing between 0.5 and 1ppm.  The Ammonia is still dark, but very slightly lightening. 
 

 
Well I'm in no rush and as daizeUK said the Nitrite is processing the Ammonia, so I'll test again on Thursday.

 

[Glensmole]

Well here we are Thursday and day 20 of testing.

 
Nitrite is around the 5ppm and the ammonia is definitely getting lighter.  My water is absolutely crystal clear to look at.  I'm very please with how things are going.  Just wait for the ammonia to drop enough now. I'll test again next Monday.

 

[daizeUK]

It looks like your ammonia somehow got a bit too high.  It's good that the bacteria are processing the ammonia but it seems the whole process has been slowed down by the initial high ammonia concentration.
 
I'm honestly not sure whether to advise you to perform a small water change to help get the ammonia down.  It is probably a bit late by now since the ammonia is falling back to acceptable levels on it's own, so as long as you're happy that the ammonia is dropping then I'd stick with it. 
 
High ammonia will lead to very high nitrite which will also take a long time to process.  Once all the ammonia has gone then I would consider doing a 30% water change to bring your nitrite down to more manageable levels.  Also keep an eye on your pH, watch for it falling.
 
I would seek advice from TwoTankAmin and see what he thinks about your test results and whether a water change would help speed things up.

 

[Glensmole]

It looks like your ammonia somehow got a bit too high.  It's good that the bacteria are processing the ammonia but it seems the whole process has been slowed down by the initial high ammonia concentration.
 
I'm honestly not sure whether to advise you to perform a small water change to help get the ammonia down.  It is probably a bit late by now since the ammonia is falling back to acceptable levels on it's own, so as long as you're happy that the ammonia is dropping then I'd stick with it. 
 
High ammonia will lead to very high nitrite which will also take a long time to process.  Once all the ammonia has gone then I would consider doing a 30% water change to bring your nitrite down to more manageable levels.  Also keep an eye on your pH, watch for it falling.
 
I would seek advice from TwoTankAmin and see what he thinks about your test results and whether a water change would help speed things up.

Thanks for the info.  How do I contact TwoTankAmin? Also I am really not sure how to raise pH levels if they start dropping.  Any suggestions?

 

[daizeUK]

Your pH can be controlled with water changes or by adding bicarbonate of soda if necessary.  I'll point TTA in the direction of this thread for you.

 

[Glensmole]

Your pH can be controlled with water changes or by adding bicarbonate of soda if necessary.  I'll point TTA in the direction of this thread for you.

You, my friend, are a real star!  Thanks

 

[TwoTankAmin]

It is very difficult to use other people's pictures of test results. It is impossible when the test vials are not place against the white background along side the the color bars.
 

 
Stop adding fish food to the tank, it doesn't help and can cause bacterial bloom.
 
Don't change the water for now.
 
Why are you worried about your pH?
 
 
 
 

 

[Glensmole]

It is very difficult to use other people's pictures of test results. It is impossible when the test vials are not place against the white background along side the the color bars.
 

testvials.jpg
 
Stop adding fish food to the tank, it doesn't help and can cause bacterial bloom.
 
Don't change the water for now.
 
Why are you worried about your pH?
 
 
 
 

Hi TwoTankAmin  The pH situation was bought to my attention by diazeUK, just to watch it really.  I'll monitor it and see, so not too worried about it yet.  She's told me how to alter it if needs be. I'll just keep watching and waiting.  If I can, I'll call upon your expertise at a later date.....If I get into trouble.  Thanks for your advice....Definitely no more fish food!  I'm in this for the long haul, so no rushing the job.  I want my fish to be well......so does my son!  Cheers for now.

 

It is very difficult to use other people's pictures of test results. It is impossible when the test vials are not place against the white background along side the the color bars.
 

testvials.jpg
 
Stop adding fish food to the tank, it doesn't help and can cause bacterial bloom.
 
Don't change the water for now.
 
Why are you worried about your pH?
 
 
 
 

Hi TwoTankAmin  The pH situation was bought to my attention by diazeUK, just to watch it really.  I'll monitor it and see, so not too worried about it yet.  She's told me how to alter it if needs be. I'll just keep watching and waiting.  If I can, I'll call upon your expertise at a later date.....If I get into trouble.  Thanks for your advice....Definitely no more fish food!  I'm in this for the long haul, so no rushing the job.  I want my fish to be well......so does my son!  Cheers for now.
 

BTW, never thought of taking the pics like that.....Doh!  I will do that from now on...Makes sense

 

[Glensmole]

Well here we are, day 24 of testing and take a look at what I've got...
 

 
My ammonia is 0 to 0.25ppm and the Nitrite is about 2 to 5ppm.  Woooo  Hooooo! 
 
Right, I'm going to start phase 2 of the "fishless cycle" now
 
If at any time you test and ammonia is under .75 ppm and nitrite is clearly over 2 ppm, it is time to add more ammonia. Add the same full amount as you did the first time. Now, begin to test the ammonia and nitrite levels every other day. (You should be seeing nitrate soon if you have the kit.)
 
After the second ammonia addition, while waiting for nitrite to rise, peak and drop, the bacteria will need a maintenance feeding. When you get two consecutive ammonia readings of 0 ppm, give the bacteria a “snack” by adding 1/3 of the full amount. This “snack” should be needed somewhere between days 21 and 27 of the cycle.
 
Using the Ammonia calculator again, I'll add 1/3 the full amount and go from there.  So far, it seems to be going to plan. 
 
Thanks to everyone so far for your help.
 
I'll keep you posted in a day or so

 

[Glensmole]

Well here we are, day 24 of testing and take a look at what I've got...
 

20130930_090855_resized.jpg
 
My ammonia is 0 to 0.25ppm and the Nitrite is about 2 to 5ppm.  Woooo  Hooooo! 
 
Right, I'm going to start phase 2 of the "fishless cycle" now
 
If at any time you test and ammonia is under .75 ppm and nitrite is clearly over 2 ppm, it is time to add more ammonia. Add the same full amount as you did the first time. Now, begin to test the ammonia and nitrite levels every other day. (You should be seeing nitrate soon if you have the kit.)
 
After the second ammonia addition, while waiting for nitrite to rise, peak and drop, the bacteria will need a maintenance feeding. When you get two consecutive ammonia readings of 0 ppm, give the bacteria a “snack” by adding 1/3 of the full amount. This “snack” should be needed somewhere between days 21 and 27 of the cycle.
 
Using the Ammonia calculator again, I'll add 1/3 the full amount and go from there.  So far, it seems to be going to plan. 
 
Thanks to everyone so far for your help.
 
I'll keep you posted in a day or so

Just read Fishless Cycle properly and realise I need to add the full amount of Ammonia......OK here goes......No use being stupid if you don't show it!!!!!!!! 

 

Well here we are, day 24 of testing and take a look at what I've got...
 

20130930_090855_resized.jpg
 
My ammonia is 0 to 0.25ppm and the Nitrite is about 2 to 5ppm.  Woooo  Hooooo! 
 
Right, I'm going to start phase 2 of the "fishless cycle" now
 
If at any time you test and ammonia is under .75 ppm and nitrite is clearly over 2 ppm, it is time to add more ammonia. Add the same full amount as you did the first time. Now, begin to test the ammonia and nitrite levels every other day. (You should be seeing nitrate soon if you have the kit.)
 
After the second ammonia addition, while waiting for nitrite to rise, peak and drop, the bacteria will need a maintenance feeding. When you get two consecutive ammonia readings of 0 ppm, give the bacteria a “snack” by adding 1/3 of the full amount. This “snack” should be needed somewhere between days 21 and 27 of the cycle.
 
Using the Ammonia calculator again, I'll add 1/3 the full amount and go from there.  So far, it seems to be going to plan. 
 
Thanks to everyone so far for your help.
 
I'll keep you posted in a day or so

Just read Fishless Cycle properly and realise I need to add the full amount of Ammonia......OK here goes......No use being stupid if you don't show it!!!!!!!! 
 

So, I've just added 1ml of Ammonia (as per the calculator http/www.fishforums.net/aquarium-calculator.htm at 20 litres). Wait and see again I suppose!! 

 

[daizeUK]

Good to see your cycle is progressing!

 

[Glensmole]

Good to see your cycle is progressing!

Thanks for putting me in touch with TTA. As you may have read, I've asked if I can call upon his expertise, should I need it.  Thanks so much for your help.

 

[Blondielovesfish]

Not long to go now!

 

[Glensmole]

Not long to go now!

I know...Exciting isn't it!  My son is a bit fed up with looking at an empty tank......Poor kid!  It'll be sooooo worth it.