Just Started Fishless Cycle

[Mickfender]

Just started my cycle today,tues 20/4. The ph level was 7 before i added the ammonia,so i hope that is a good start. I have been letting the tank settle for a cpl days after putting the sand in with the filter and heater on,and the lights off,but when i took the lid of there was a lot of condensation over the bulbs,worried if this will be a problem when they are switched on,or if this is normal and the bulbs operate ok with water on them,gratefull for any advice on this Thanks Mick

 

[Gvilleguy]

I just started my fishless cycle yesterday - race ya!! Does your lid have a clear plastic pane between the water and the light itself? If so I would not have expected condensation on your bulbs...

 

[Mickfender]

No plastic pane will have a look for one see if this helps thanks

 

[Gvilleguy]

Yep - I think that is the problem...

 

[fatheadminnow]

A pH of 7 is a little low for a fishless cycle. Your tank will still cycle, just at a slower rate. A pH of 8.0-8.4 is optimal along with the temp set at 29C/84F

-FHM

 

[Gvilleguy]

What is the easiest way to raise pH level? My pH is also 7.0, and I just started my cycle. I have the temp at 84F.

 

[fatheadminnow]

I would not mess with the pH during a cycle. I would let the cycle run its course and then go from there. The pH will fluctuate a lot during a cycle, and that is way it is a good idea to monitor the pH frequently. If your pH drops below 6.5, then this can result in a "pH" crash and will stall your cycle. If this happens, the best thing to do right now is a water change. A water change, since your tap water has a pH of 7.0, will raise your pH to a new equilibrium for the time being. If you have soft water/lower KH your pH is more prone to fluctuate.

-FHM