My First Cycle Log

[Aqua Tom]

Looking good, keep on checking but the A-bacs seem to be eating well.

 

[marsdend]

Hi again.

I've got a strange clicking noise coming from my tank and I'm not sure what it is, could it be the heater?

Cheers,
Dan

 

[marsdend]

Sorry for the delayed update to my log, i went to sunderland air show yesterday so didn't get time to post my results.

30/07/11
I tested the water and i got 4ppm on ammonia

01/08/11
Tested the water this morning and I think the ammonia is still at 4ppm, could you double check the image below for me and make sure im reading it right. Also is it normal for it to hang at 4ppm for a could of days?

Dan

 

[Claire121]

Hiya

Clicking sound = heater. Moving it a touch may make a difference.

Ammonia - sometimes some of the first dose is absorbed into the substrate or wood or just evaporates so the initial drop may not necessarily be due to the right bacteria growing. Sorry, patience is needed inbucket loads. It's also very very difficult to tell the difference between 8>4>2 ppm.....

 

[marsdend]

Hi, Slowly getting there, so far my tank is still at 4ppm for ammonia, doesn't seem to be working, Starting to get a bit worried it is not working.

Theres starting to be a bit of a funky smell from the tank which I guess is normal, also water has cleared a lot now and I can see the back of the tank, hopefully some movement soon...

 

[marsdend]

06/08/2011
Tested the water this afternoon, Ammonia still 4ppm.

Is my tank cycling? Would it do any damage to add the cycle product that came with the tank?

Cheers
Dan

 

[marsdend]

08/08/2011
Looks like were having some movement on the ammonia, going down slightly. I have included a photo of the Ammonia test.

How long does it normally take for the ammonia to drop for the first time, using a fishless cycle?

 

[philrag11]

Hi

Took me around 17 / 18 days before my ammonia dropped and I thought my cycle (link below) overall was quick compared to some others....

Think the only way it'll be quicker is if you add some mature media from an established tank - used to be a list on here of people willing to donate. Whereabouts are you from as there might be someone nearby who is willing to help?

Phil

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/366477-phils-fishless-cycle/

 

[marsdend]

Hi all! Still no sign of ammonia dropping unfortunately! I'll test again in the morning and see if I get any change in results.