in the new cycling tank the nitrite levels are off the chart, but my ammonia was at zero today for the 1st time so does that mean the nitrites will drop within the next couple of days?
nitrite
- Thread starter wuvmybetta
- Start date
Tanked
Fish Herder
Wuv,
that seems very normal. in my 5 gallon which is currently cycling, my ammonia went off the charts and them plummeted to 0. when the ammonia hit 0 the nitrites went off the chart. the nitrites are comoing down now and nitrates are climbing. it is standard cycle
that seems very normal. in my 5 gallon which is currently cycling, my ammonia went off the charts and them plummeted to 0. when the ammonia hit 0 the nitrites went off the chart. the nitrites are comoing down now and nitrates are climbing. it is standard cycle
semper fi
mrs southeast michigan 2005
can say this in my sleep now and probably often do.
when cycling a tank ammonia is created naturally or added. it can be created by using fish to start the cycle which is stressful on the fish. or added by purchasing ammonia and adding it to tap water in the tank. has to be 100% pure ammonia. ammonia is created by excess food, fish waste and decaying matter left in the tank. ammonia is broken down to nitrites , which are then in turn broken down to nitrates. these are toxins which can be harmful to fish and often lead to fish loss. these toxins are removed from the tank by bacteria that is in the gravel bed, equipment and other essential parts of the tank. this is referred to the beneficial bacteria of the aquarium. the bacteria is created by spiking out or letting the toxin levels climb.
toxins can also be removed from the aquarium by water changes. nitrates the lesser of the three toxins can also be removed by plants in the aquarium. aquatic plants feed on the nitrates. the fastedr growing the plant, the more nitrates it requires.
once each of the three levels have spiked and then zeroed and stabilized, the tank is cycled and the bacteria is established in the tank. you may notice a slight white milky cloudiness which signals the end of the cycling. this is called a bacterial bloom. when adding fish it is best to add them slowly so as not to overwhelm the bacteria colony with the increase in waste matter.
hth
semper fi
when cycling a tank ammonia is created naturally or added. it can be created by using fish to start the cycle which is stressful on the fish. or added by purchasing ammonia and adding it to tap water in the tank. has to be 100% pure ammonia. ammonia is created by excess food, fish waste and decaying matter left in the tank. ammonia is broken down to nitrites , which are then in turn broken down to nitrates. these are toxins which can be harmful to fish and often lead to fish loss. these toxins are removed from the tank by bacteria that is in the gravel bed, equipment and other essential parts of the tank. this is referred to the beneficial bacteria of the aquarium. the bacteria is created by spiking out or letting the toxin levels climb.
toxins can also be removed from the aquarium by water changes. nitrates the lesser of the three toxins can also be removed by plants in the aquarium. aquatic plants feed on the nitrates. the fastedr growing the plant, the more nitrates it requires.
once each of the three levels have spiked and then zeroed and stabilized, the tank is cycled and the bacteria is established in the tank. you may notice a slight white milky cloudiness which signals the end of the cycling. this is called a bacterial bloom. when adding fish it is best to add them slowly so as not to overwhelm the bacteria colony with the increase in waste matter.
hth
semper fi
OP
OP
I'm cycling with some filter media from a cycled tank & 4 dwarf gouramis in a 42 gallon with the recommended dosage of cycle also
I just wanted to double check because this is NOTHING like cycling my 1st tank, I was totally clueless on that one so I tried to approach this one with a little bit of knowledge and patience and it seems to be going smoothly it's just that outrageous nitrite level, I feel like I should do a small partial water change but I did that so often in my 1st tank & that may have slowed my cycle down so I'm not sure if I should just let this one sit for a few more days & just hope the fish are tough enough to deal with it
Thanks for all the info!
I just wanted to double check because this is NOTHING like cycling my 1st tank, I was totally clueless on that one so I tried to approach this one with a little bit of knowledge and patience and it seems to be going smoothly it's just that outrageous nitrite level, I feel like I should do a small partial water change but I did that so often in my 1st tank & that may have slowed my cycle down so I'm not sure if I should just let this one sit for a few more days & just hope the fish are tough enough to deal with it
Thanks for all the info!
semper fi
mrs southeast michigan 2005
if you already have a cycled tank then there is no reason to cycle a new tank. do a water change on the established tank and move the water to the new tank. try to fill the new tank up atleast 25-50% without draining your older tank too much. use filter media, gravel, equipment ... form the older tank. fill the new tank with water and let the bacteria settle in for about 48 hours. instant tank ready for fish.
semper fi
semper fi
OP
OP
Yaaaay, my readings (ammonia & nitrite anyway) were both at zero today,wooohoooooo
So I added the cutest little dwarf cichlid, they told me what he was 5 times but I still forget the official name ,but I like him & HAD to have him, even with one of his eyes missing he was irresistable, now he's checking out his new surroundings and tankmates, it's just taking him twice as long
So I added the cutest little dwarf cichlid, they told me what he was 5 times but I still forget the official name ,but I like him & HAD to have him, even with one of his eyes missing he was irresistable, now he's checking out his new surroundings and tankmates, it's just taking him twice as long
semper fi
mrs southeast michigan 2005
you should of waited to add the fish. your tank is not finished cycling. adding fish in midcycle and causing the ammonia to rise can cuse the tank to have to recycle. you should of waited til the nitrates were zero along with the rest of the levels.
semper fi
semper fi
OP
OP
I don't even have a nitrate test kit because I never worry about them....I have so many live plants in the tank that I assume they don't really matter
I thought your nitrates were never really at zero anyway....so am I wrong in thinking that?
I thought your nitrates were never really at zero anyway....so am I wrong in thinking that?
semper fi
mrs southeast michigan 2005
you should have a nitrate reading. whether it be at zero or elevated. nitrates are the last period of cycling the tank. did not see where you mentioned where you had plants in the tank to begin with. the plants are usually added when the nitrates are starting to build. it is really important to let the tank fully cycle and not break the cycyle.
semper fi
semper fi
OP
OP
I will buy a nitrate test kit now, because I'm curious what my readings are
But luckily ammonia & nitrite are still testing at zero
But luckily ammonia & nitrite are still testing at zero
playfulalliecat
Fish Crazy
Normally our nitrates will test from 10 - 30 ppm. The only time we have 0 is right after a water change. From what I have seen, the nitrates are not nearly as dangerous to your fish as the ammonia and nitrites are. I would just keep testing everything daily for a week or so to make sure that nothing changes extremely. I think you should do ok.
Jamnog
Fish Herder
semper fi i have some advice for you
clipbord buddy
if you have to say the same thing loads it is really handy
clipbord buddy
if you have to say the same thing loads it is really handy
semper fi
mrs southeast michigan 2005
that is very cool! i can really use that. thanks!
semper fi
semper fi
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