Quick Cycling Question

[Charls]

I am in my 4th week of cycling…..

Ammonia and nitrite have both been zero independently of each other, up until yesterday when they both were zero at the same time. Up to this point I have been continuing to add ammonia to 4ppm each time it has reached zero.

My question is:

Now that they are both at zero, am I done? Or do they both have to reach zero within 10-12 hours, then I can do water change, drop temp etc and get some fish at last


Thanks

 

[rdd1952]

If you are adding 4ppm of ammonia and both ammonia and nitrite are back to zero in 10 to 12 hours, then you are finished. Ammonia may reach zero sooner than nitrite but it may be that you don't even see any nitrite as he bacteria may be able to process it as fast as it is produced. It sounds like you are ready for fish. Congratulations!!!!

 

[martyn21uk]

I'm sure you know this anyway but don't forget to do your big water change just before adding fish as to bring those nitrates down as well!

 

[Leitch]

How long after seeing about 10 Nitrates did it take for them to go off the scale?

 

[Charls]

How long after seeing about 10 Nitrates did it take for them to go off the scale?

Three or four days I think, took a lot longer to come down that it did to go up, thats for sure!But it looks like success at last, can't wait to get fish at the weekend now How is your cycle going?

I'm sure you know this anyway but don't forget to do your big water change just before adding fish as to bring those nitrates down as well!

oh yes, I'll remember. Does the change have to be made say a couple of hours before adding fish. I mean I can't change water friday night & add fish sunday afternoon - even if I continue to add ammonia?

 

[doresy]

Hi, if you are considering fish at the weekend then keep adding the ammonia to bring the level to 4ppm and test in 12 hours for both ammonia and nitrite. The tests should both be zero in 12 hours daily.

If so then a massive water change Saturday morning and as soon as temperature returns you can add fish remembering to add most of the stock you intend to keep in one go so your bacteria remains well fed