Infected Gravel Slows Down Cycle?

[emdgz4]

Hi

If you guys have read my other posts, you know I'm having a heck of a time cycling my tank. Its been 4 weeks and the ammonia is still the same...it never goes down. I'm following the directions for fishless cycling to a "T" with ammonia, test kits, etc. but it still seems to not work for me.

I was wondering if the gravel I am using to seed my tank could be slowing the process down b/c it could contain pathogenic bacteria? I got the cup of gravel from my lps and their fish all seem healthy and fine but that doesn't mean there arent pathogens floating around. Would this have any effect at all on my cycle, like maybe its not allowing the nitrifying bacteria to grow? I dont know, i'm just pulling at straws here but this idea came to me and I wonder if anyone has had an experience with bad seeding material causing their tank not to cycle.

 

[Rooster]

Gravel holds next to ZERO bacteria, unless you are using undergravel filtration in the doner tank... even so its next to useless IMO.

Fishless can take MONTHS.... its a waiting game, but it IS worth it in the end !

 

[Mr Bliss]

Yeah, sometimes it just takes longer than usual.

It might be worth asking the store if they have treated or regularly treat their tanks with any medication or other chemicals. If the cup of gravel came in saturated with antibiotics it probably doesn't bode well for your cycling.

 

[OldMan47]

I know it sounds counterintuitive but try a large water change and reset your ammonia after to only be about 2 ppm. Once you starty seeing a response, raise the ammonia back up to the typical 4 to 5 ppm. I think it may help but would rather not get into why.