Cycling A QT Tank

[krzyphsygy]

So I have been cycling a QT tank for about 7 weeks now and the 10 gl QT tank has only a hang on filter, heater, and a pc of pvc in it. The tank is showing zero amonia and has for about 3-weeks but did display a huge spike, now but Nitrite has been there at 5 ppm's for 4 weeks with no decline.

I used a raw, cleaned shrimp to jump start the cycle and left it in there for about 15hrs. It started to smell the room really bad so I removed it and the cycle began. But I really thought the Nitrite levels would lower by now, but they have not.

Patience, I know, but it seems really slow at this stage.

I have a sponge that has been in my rubbermaid trash can with the rock that has been gaining bacteria for 1 month. The rock has been in there for about 3-4 months. Should I change the sponge out or just let it take its course. The sponge is in there for the replacement after the QT has cycled. I then was going to take the QT sponge and rinse and put it back in the rock bin to have it gain some bacteria on it.

 

[krzyphsygy]

bumpidy

 

[bertoni]

I would test some RO/DI or distilled water with the nitrite kit. That should be zero. I agree that 4 weeks seems very long.

 

[Plato]

For cycling before fish I use Dr Tims One and Only Live Nitrifying Bacteria for Saltwater http://www.drtimsaquatics.com/NaH2O_PURE_Products/NaH2O_PURE_Products.html and to feed the bacteria I use his ammonia. Here is a link on it http://www.drtimsaquatics.com/fishless/fishless.html

 

[Dragon moray ki]

I didn't cycle mine I just have a big qt 70 gallons and I do frequent water changes and don't keep many fish and test the water every day.

 

[krzyphsygy]

Yea seems really long, might check the test kit...I have other water I can test with the live rock.

 

[krzyphsygy]

Ok, so I tested my Live Rock bin and Nitrite was at zero, so yea this is taking a really long time but the kit does work correctly. So I guess I just need to keep waiting. We are at like 4 weeks or more just on nitrite? Weird, never seen it take so long....

 

[Indymann99]

I have started pouring a 1/4 cup of skimmate from my DT into the QT to help cycle.

YMMV.

 

[Plato]

Guys, there are live bacteria that can be added to eleminate this. Dr Tim is the creator of Marinelands Biospira and either product will eliminate this.

 

[krzyphsygy]

Guys, there are live bacteria that can be added to eleminate this. Dr Tim is the creator of Marinelands Biospira and either product will eliminate this.

Yea, I have Seachem's Stability which is a great product, but wanted to cycle it the old fashion way so I am truly ready for fish.

 

[Superpuma]

Hi

l'm going through the same situation, 0 ammonia but nitrite sticking around 0.25-0.5. l threw everything at my 120 litre ( 30 us gallon ) qt tank to get it going, filter sponges from display sump, display water, zeostones from display and dr tims.

l've been reading that saltwater fish are far less affected by the toxicity of nitrite than their freshwater cousains and that 0.5 ppm nitrite isn't a danger to fish in a qt tank. Any comments?

Mike

 

[bertoni]

0.5 ppm nitrite should be safe for fish. I wouldn't worry about it, personally. Have you tested the kit with some RO/DI? That should read zero.

 

[Superpuma]

Hi

Thanks for the reply, l've tested the kit on my display, pond and tapwater, all are zero.

Mike

 

[bertoni]

You're welcome! I think the setup should be okay.

 

[Superpuma]

Hi

Put a Regal Angel in there yesterday, it's eating frozen and flake, fantastic.

Mike

 

[krzyphsygy]

Yea after like 6 weeks on 5.0 ppm nitrite it finally come down in like 1 day it seemed, bam, right at zero. Waited another week and tested to be sure and put in some blue chromis.

 

[bertoni]

Strange. I wonder what was happening.