One last quetsion

[joe2003]

one last question before I start the fishless cycle tomorrow, what is ment by a nitite spike, at what pph is this??

 

[Magnar]

The nitrite spike is the first sign that the nitrogen cycle has started. Initially you add the ammonia, so when you test for ammonia, nitrites and nitrates you'll only see a reading for ammonia. After a few days the ammonia reading will start to lower and the nitrite reading will start to increase, showing that the bacteria are breaking down the ammonia into nitrites. This is your "spike." This should be followed by a nitate spike as the second set of bateria kick in and break the nitrites down into nitrates. Hope that makes sense.

The PPH is to do with the hardness of the water. I'm not so about this so search the previous posts for more info.

 

[joe2003]

thanks, i was going to do the cycle according to the http/www.aaquaria.com/aquasource/cycle2.shtml link where it says

"In order to cycle a tank using ammonia, start everything up and add some gravel from an established tank or a few potted plants (their roots contain all of the necessary bacteria, and the plants themselves do not seem to be harmed by this process). Then simply add 4-5 drops of ammonia per 10 gallons per day until you get a nitrite spike ( I know that this has been changed ). Once you have nitrites, cut the ammonia back to 2-3 drops per 10 gallons per day until the nitrites disappear. When you get a 0 ppm nitrites reading, you have a fully cycled tank"

Is this right

 

[Magnar]

Well that's pretty much how I did it. I wasn't perhaps religious with the regularity and quantity but the basic idea is to ensure that there are operating bateria that break down ammonia into nitrites and then some other bateria that break down nitrites into nitrates. With these existing (proved by the fact that you are adding ammonia, as your fish will do, and nitrates come out the far end) you can add fish safe in the knowledge that their waste will be removed rather than them having to swim in it (and be poisoned by it). The nitrates are not as toxic and can be removed by regular (I go weekly) water changes.