Mini Cycle :(

[fluttermoth]

So, three days ago I refilled my bedroom tank, after fixing the leak. I added a double dose of dechlorinator, and tested the water. As expected I had 0.25ppm of ammonia (from the dead snails I hadn't managed to pick out of the gravel, and some crypts that are melting where they've been in the spare tank I expect).

I added some mature media (a tray's worth from an APS 2000lph) to the filter last thing at night on Tuesday, tested on Wednesday morning, expecting ammonia to be gone and it was still there

So Wednesday evening I added some more media (another tray's worth), tested yesterday morning, still there! Left it overnight, still there this morning

I've now added yet another tray's worth (and have now run out of filters I can steal media from), whacked the temperature up, lowered the water level to get some more surface agitation. The pH is 6.5, nitrate about 5 and temp 80°F/27°C.

Anyone got any other ideas to speed it up? I've got 42 false neons stuck in a 55l and my glass cats and hatchets in a 60l

 

[CezzaXV]

You sure the ammonia is actually there and it's not a goof on the test? Seems highly unusual that it's not gone yet.

 

[fluttermoth]

I know; I've tested some of the other tanks though, and they're fine (including the two emergency tanks, thank goodness!); it's new test kit as well

 

[KittyKat]

Not much you can do, the bacteria multiply quite slowly at lower pHs…

 

[fluttermoth]

Waiting game then *sighs* I was hoping not have to wait too long; I'm having to do daily water changes in the emergency tanks.