Liverbird's New Fishless Cycle

[Liverbird36]

take the gravel out

Ahhh ok thanks for all the advice.

 

[Twinklecaz]

Lol yeah what Simon said

 

[Liverbird36]

Lol yeah what Simon said

Cheers guys !!! Really grateful

 

[Liverbird36]

Hi Guy's Started my Fishless cycle today and are new to Tropical Fish keeping so any advice would be warmly welcomed. This is my first ever attempt at Aquarium cycling so please feel free to chastise me if I go awry lol. The tank was set up 6 days prior to the start of this Cycling but had to empty about 80% of tank water due to inncorrect Ammonia dosage given to me by P@H. In those 6 days that the tank was running, the temperature was set at 24 degrees and 2ml dose of Filter Start added every other day, and had a very heavy Bacterial Bloom after day 3. The set up is as follows:
Interpet Fishbox 64 litres: Dimensions 24inch length x 12inch width x 27inch height.
Heater = Interpet Delta Therm 150w
Filter = Interpet PF2 500l/h max (three stage bio filtration) also includes an airation pump at top of filter.
Lighting = Daylight Compact bulb on right side of tank and Blue Moon bulb on the left hand side.
Water dechlorinated using Interpet Bioactive Tapsafe and Interpet Filter Start used every other day to aid filter establishment

Cycling using Homebase Household Ammonia 9.5%
Testing using the API Master Test Kit.

TAP WATER TEST RESULTS

Ammonia = 0ppm
Nitrite = 0ppm
Nitrate = 0ppm
PH = 7.6ppm

DAY 1 Temp 26c Ammonia 0.5ppm Nitrites 0ppm Nitrates 0ppm. Temp raised to 30c and 2.5ml Ammonia added.
DAY 2 Temp 30c Ammonia 4.0ppm Nitrites 0.25ppm Nitrates 5.0ppm No Filter Start added.
DAY 3 Temp 29c Ammonia 4.0ppm Nitrites 0.25ppm Nitrates 10ppm Ceased the use of Filter Start and 10% water change
DAY 4 Temp 29c Ammonia 3-4ppm Nitrites 0.25ppm Nitrates 5.0ppm
DAY 5 Temp 29c Ammonia 3.0ppm Nitrites 0ppm Nitrates 3.0ppm
DAY 6 Temp 29c Ammonia 3.oppm Nitrites 0ppm Nitrates 5.0ppm
DAY 7 Temp 29c Ammonia 2.0ppm Nitrites 0ppm Nitrates 5.0ppm 10% water change may hae dropped Ammonia levels.
DAY 8 Temp 29c Ammonia 2.0ppm Nitrites 0ppm Nitrates 5.0ppm Added 2ml Ammonia to bring level up after water change.
DAY 9 Temp 29c Ammonia 4.0ppm Nitrites 0ppm Nitrates 5.0ppm. Tank no longer smells rancid. Nice tropical house smell.
DAY 10 Temp 29c Ammonia 4.0ppm Nitrites 0ppm Nitrates 5.0ppm
DAY 11 Temp 29c Ammonia 4.0ppm Nitrites 0ppm Nitrates 5.0ppm
DAY 12 TEMP 29c Ammonia 4.0ppm Nitrites 0ppm Nitrates 5.0ppm
DAY 12 Temp 29c Ammonia 4.0ppm Nitrites 0ppm Nitrates 5.0ppm
DAY 13 Temp 29c Ammonia 3-4ppm Nitrites 0.25 Nitrates just over 5.0ppm
DAY 14 Temp 29c Ammonia 2.0ppm Nitrites 1.0ppm Nitrates 10ppm PH 8.2ppm
DAY 15 Temp 29c Ammonia 1.0ppm Nitrites 2.0ppm Nitrates 20ppm
2ml Ammonia added as had dropped to 0.25ppm
DAY 16 Temp 29c Ammonia 4.0ppm Nitrites 2.0ppm Nitrates 20ppm
DAY 17 Temp 29c Ammonia 0.50ppm Nitrites 5.0ppm Nitrates 70ppm PH 8.2
2ml Ammonia added as had dropped to zero level now 4.0ppm
DAY 18 Temp 29c Ammonia 0ppm Nitrites off scale Nitrates 80ppm
2ml Ammonia added level now 4.0ppm.
DAY 19 Temp 29c Ammonia 0ppm Nitrites off scale Nitrates 90ppm
1.5ml Ammonia added level now 2.0ppm-3.0ppm
DAY 20 Temp 29c Ammonia 0ppm Nitrites 0ppm Nitrates 100ppm
1.5ml Ammonia added level now 2.0ppm-3.0ppm
DAY 21 Temp 29c Ammonia 0ppm Nitrites 0ppm Nitrates 110ppm
1.5ml Ammonia added level now 2.0ppm-3.0ppm

DAY 22 Temp 29c Ammonia 0ppm Nitrites 0ppm Nitrates 120ppm
2ml Ammonia added level now 4.0ppm

 

[Liverbird36]

Well...two hours later and the sand is finally in and I feel like i've run a marathon !! There's sand in the bathroom, sand in the kitchen, sand in the living room. All I need is a bikini and a nice cool drink and i'm sorted lol. Took the opportunity to clean the tank up a bit too and glad I did. Are a wee bit concerned that the heater was so scaled over; just wondering if over a period of time it could effect it's performance. My siphon broke near the end of the tank draining, just before it had the opportunity to suck up all the nasty looking gunk, leaving muggins here to do it manually Sucked just a tad too hard and...well I say no more; don't think i'll be doing that again in a hurry lol

Have to admit though, although it took a fair bit of effort, it does look so much nicer, and has brightened it up a lot. Well worth the tip my house has now turned into as a result. Will take some pics when it's properly cleared up.

 

[Twinklecaz]

Yay well done. I had trouble with the last bit too, I assumed coz there wasn't enough water left. I dunno how people do it? I used towels to just soak it all up in the end!

I know, how much brighter! That's one of the main reasons I like it!

 

[Liverbird36]

Yay well done. I had trouble with the last bit too, I assumed coz there wasn't enough water left. I dunno how people do it? I used towels to just soak it all up in the end!

I know, how much brighter! That's one of the main reasons I like it!

Now i've had chance to sit down and have a coffee I can't stop smiling. Really glad I spoke to both yourself and Simon, wouldn't have done it otherwise. Over the moon.

 

[Liverbird36]

My humble little tank lol Or at least the pic was MEANT to be here !!!

 

[Liverbird36]

picture won't upload !!!!

 

[Liverbird36]

Hi Guy's Started my Fishless cycle today and are new to Tropical Fish keeping so any advice would be warmly welcomed. This is my first ever attempt at Aquarium cycling so please feel free to chastise me if I go awry lol. The tank was set up 6 days prior to the start of this Cycling but had to empty about 80% of tank water due to inncorrect Ammonia dosage given to me by P@H. In those 6 days that the tank was running, the temperature was set at 24 degrees and 2ml dose of Filter Start added every other day, and had a very heavy Bacterial Bloom after day 3. The set up is as follows:
Interpet Fishbox 64 litres: Dimensions 24inch length x 12inch width x 27inch height.
Heater = Interpet Delta Therm 150w
Filter = Interpet PF2 500l/h max (three stage bio filtration) also includes an airation pump at top of filter.
Lighting = Daylight Compact bulb on right side of tank and Blue Moon bulb on the left hand side.
Water dechlorinated using Interpet Bioactive Tapsafe and Interpet Filter Start used every other day to aid filter establishment

Cycling using Homebase Household Ammonia 9.5%
Testing using the API Master Test Kit.

TAP WATER TEST RESULTS

Ammonia = 0ppm
Nitrite = 0ppm
Nitrate = 0ppm
PH = 7.6ppm

DAY 1 Temp 26c Ammonia 0.5ppm Nitrites 0ppm Nitrates 0ppm. Temp raised to 30c and 2.5ml Ammonia added.
DAY 2 Temp 30c Ammonia 4.0ppm Nitrites 0.25ppm Nitrates 5.0ppm No Filter Start added.
DAY 3 Temp 29c Ammonia 4.0ppm Nitrites 0.25ppm Nitrates 10ppm Ceased the use of Filter Start and 10% water change
DAY 4 Temp 29c Ammonia 3-4ppm Nitrites 0.25ppm Nitrates 5.0ppm
DAY 5 Temp 29c Ammonia 3.0ppm Nitrites 0ppm Nitrates 3.0ppm
DAY 6 Temp 29c Ammonia 3.oppm Nitrites 0ppm Nitrates 5.0ppm
DAY 7 Temp 29c Ammonia 2.0ppm Nitrites 0ppm Nitrates 5.0ppm 10% water change may hae dropped Ammonia levels.
DAY 8 Temp 29c Ammonia 2.0ppm Nitrites 0ppm Nitrates 5.0ppm Added 2ml Ammonia to bring level up after water change.
DAY 9 Temp 29c Ammonia 4.0ppm Nitrites 0ppm Nitrates 5.0ppm. Tank no longer smells rancid. Nice tropical house smell.
DAY 10 Temp 29c Ammonia 4.0ppm Nitrites 0ppm Nitrates 5.0ppm
DAY 11 Temp 29c Ammonia 4.0ppm Nitrites 0ppm Nitrates 5.0ppm
DAY 12 TEMP 29c Ammonia 4.0ppm Nitrites 0ppm Nitrates 5.0ppm
DAY 12 Temp 29c Ammonia 4.0ppm Nitrites 0ppm Nitrates 5.0ppm
DAY 13 Temp 29c Ammonia 3-4ppm Nitrites 0.25 Nitrates just over 5.0ppm
DAY 14 Temp 29c Ammonia 2.0ppm Nitrites 1.0ppm Nitrates 10ppm PH 8.2ppm
DAY 15 Temp 29c Ammonia 1.0ppm Nitrites 2.0ppm Nitrates 20ppm
2ml Ammonia added as had dropped to 0.25ppm
DAY 16 Temp 29c Ammonia 4.0ppm Nitrites 2.0ppm Nitrates 20ppm
DAY 17 Temp 29c Ammonia 0.50ppm Nitrites 5.0ppm Nitrates 70ppm PH 8.2
2ml Ammonia added as had dropped to zero level now 4.0ppm
DAY 18 Temp 29c Ammonia 0ppm Nitrites off scale Nitrates 80ppm
2ml Ammonia added level now 4.0ppm.
DAY 19 Temp 29c Ammonia 0ppm Nitrites off scale Nitrates 90ppm
1.5ml Ammonia added level now 2.0ppm-3.0ppm
DAY 20 Temp 29c Ammonia 0ppm Nitrites 0ppm Nitrates 100ppm
1.5ml Ammonia added level now 2.0ppm-3.0ppm
DAY 21 Temp 29c Ammonia 0ppm Nitrites 0ppm Nitrates 110ppm
1.5ml Ammonia added level now 2.0ppm-3.0ppm
DAY 22 Temp 29c Ammonia 0ppm Nitrites 0ppm Nitrates 120ppm
2ml Ammonia added level now 4.0ppm.
100% water change as substrate changed to sand. re-dosed with 2ml Ammonia to
bring level back up.
Tests 1hr after water change Temp 29c Ammonia 4.0ppm Nitrites 0ppm Nitrates 5.0ppm
DAY 23 Temp 29c Ammonia 0ppm Nitrites 0ppm Nitrates 40ppm
2ml Ammonia added level now 4.0ppm.

DAY 24 Temp 29c Ammonia 0ppm Nitrites 0.25ppm Nitrates 80ppm
1.5ml Ammonia added level now 2.0ppm-3.0ppm.
Well, that's cock-up number one on the worlds largest of cock-up scales !!! Can't believe I put my filter back into a tank of chlorinated water !!!! What a nut !!! Hope I haven't done too much damage.

 

[Twinklecaz]

I woulnd't worry too much. I know there are some people on here that claim they don't use/need dechlorinator atall so you might be ok.

 

[Liverbird36]

I woulnd't worry too much. I know there are some people on here that claim they don't use/need dechlorinator atall so you might be ok.

Crikey !! really !!! well that's reassuring to know cheers for that lol Better not do it again though

 

[OldMan47]

The chlorine will have caused some damage to the bacteria, that is its job after all. If you added dechlorinator fairly soon after, it should recover well enough in a few days.

 

[Liverbird36]

The chlorine will have caused some damage to the bacteria, that is its job after all. If you added dechlorinator fairly soon after, it should recover well enough in a few days.

Yep, luckily I realised straight away my error. It was in the tank about two minutes before I added the dechlor. Can't believe how stupid I was !!! Lesson well and truly learnt.

 

[Liverbird36]

Hi Guy's Started my Fishless cycle today and are new to Tropical Fish keeping so any advice would be warmly welcomed. This is my first ever attempt at Aquarium cycling so please feel free to chastise me if I go awry lol. The tank was set up 6 days prior to the start of this Cycling but had to empty about 80% of tank water due to inncorrect Ammonia dosage given to me by P@H. In those 6 days that the tank was running, the temperature was set at 24 degrees and 2ml dose of Filter Start added every other day, and had a very heavy Bacterial Bloom after day 3. The set up is as follows:
Interpet Fishbox 64 litres: Dimensions 24inch length x 12inch width x 27inch height.
Heater = Interpet Delta Therm 150w
Filter = Interpet PF2 500l/h max (three stage bio filtration) also includes an airation pump at top of filter.
Lighting = Daylight Compact bulb on right side of tank and Blue Moon bulb on the left hand side.
Water dechlorinated using Interpet Bioactive Tapsafe and Interpet Filter Start used every other day to aid filter establishment

Cycling using Homebase Household Ammonia 9.5%
Testing using the API Master Test Kit.

TAP WATER TEST RESULTS

Ammonia = 0ppm
Nitrite = 0ppm
Nitrate = 0ppm
PH = 7.6ppm

DAY 1 Temp 26c Ammonia 0.5ppm Nitrites 0ppm Nitrates 0ppm. Temp raised to 30c and 2.5ml Ammonia added.
DAY 2 Temp 30c Ammonia 4.0ppm Nitrites 0.25ppm Nitrates 5.0ppm No Filter Start added.
DAY 3 Temp 29c Ammonia 4.0ppm Nitrites 0.25ppm Nitrates 10ppm Ceased the use of Filter Start and 10% water change
DAY 4 Temp 29c Ammonia 3-4ppm Nitrites 0.25ppm Nitrates 5.0ppm
DAY 5 Temp 29c Ammonia 3.0ppm Nitrites 0ppm Nitrates 3.0ppm
DAY 6 Temp 29c Ammonia 3.oppm Nitrites 0ppm Nitrates 5.0ppm
DAY 7 Temp 29c Ammonia 2.0ppm Nitrites 0ppm Nitrates 5.0ppm 10% water change may hae dropped Ammonia levels.
DAY 8 Temp 29c Ammonia 2.0ppm Nitrites 0ppm Nitrates 5.0ppm Added 2ml Ammonia to bring level up after water change.
DAY 9 Temp 29c Ammonia 4.0ppm Nitrites 0ppm Nitrates 5.0ppm. Tank no longer smells rancid. Nice tropical house smell.
DAY 10 Temp 29c Ammonia 4.0ppm Nitrites 0ppm Nitrates 5.0ppm
DAY 11 Temp 29c Ammonia 4.0ppm Nitrites 0ppm Nitrates 5.0ppm
DAY 12 TEMP 29c Ammonia 4.0ppm Nitrites 0ppm Nitrates 5.0ppm
DAY 12 Temp 29c Ammonia 4.0ppm Nitrites 0ppm Nitrates 5.0ppm
DAY 13 Temp 29c Ammonia 3-4ppm Nitrites 0.25 Nitrates just over 5.0ppm
DAY 14 Temp 29c Ammonia 2.0ppm Nitrites 1.0ppm Nitrates 10ppm PH 8.2ppm
DAY 15 Temp 29c Ammonia 1.0ppm Nitrites 2.0ppm Nitrates 20ppm
2ml Ammonia added as had dropped to 0.25ppm
DAY 16 Temp 29c Ammonia 4.0ppm Nitrites 2.0ppm Nitrates 20ppm
DAY 17 Temp 29c Ammonia 0.50ppm Nitrites 5.0ppm Nitrates 70ppm PH 8.2
2ml Ammonia added as had dropped to zero level now 4.0ppm
DAY 18 Temp 29c Ammonia 0ppm Nitrites off scale Nitrates 80ppm
2ml Ammonia added level now 4.0ppm.
DAY 19 Temp 29c Ammonia 0ppm Nitrites off scale Nitrates 90ppm
1.5ml Ammonia added level now 2.0ppm-3.0ppm
DAY 20 Temp 29c Ammonia 0ppm Nitrites 0ppm Nitrates 100ppm
1.5ml Ammonia added level now 2.0ppm-3.0ppm
DAY 21 Temp 29c Ammonia 0ppm Nitrites 0ppm Nitrates 110ppm
1.5ml Ammonia added level now 2.0ppm-3.0ppm
DAY 22 Temp 29c Ammonia 0ppm Nitrites 0ppm Nitrates 120ppm
2ml Ammonia added level now 4.0ppm.
100% water change as substrate changed to sand. re-dosed with 2ml Ammonia to
bring level back up.
Tests 1hr after water change Temp 29c Ammonia 4.0ppm Nitrites 0ppm Nitrates 5.0ppm
DAY 23 Temp 29c Ammonia 0ppm Nitrites 0ppm Nitrates 40ppm
2ml Ammonia added level now 4.0ppm.
DAY 24 Temp 29c Ammonia 0ppm Nitrites 0.25ppm Nitrtates 80ppm
1.5ml Ammonia added level now 2.0ppm-3.0ppm.
DAY 25 Temp 29c Ammonia 0ppm Nitrites 0.25ppm Nitrates 100ppm

I'm wondering if my blunder with the filter means I will have to go through the Nitrite spike again, or am I just waiting for it to drop back down.