True it's "possible" however I'd rather err on the safe side and take it really slow especially in the beginning stage with a 10g tank and not rush. Nothing good usually happens in this hobby when we're impatient.
High nitrites and stalled cycles.
- Thread starter Troublekitty
- Start date
Troublekitty
New member
I didn't choose the bacteria and ammonia method because it was quick. I've been learning all I can for about 2 years now. I know it says I have 15 posts but I wish it showed how many hours of BRS, Mass aquarium,coral fish 12g, Marine Depot and CJs aquariums videos I've watched. Of all the ways to cycle a tank like ghost feeding, dead shrimp and live fish I figured ammonia would be a good way to go for my first go at it. I'm a total noob here but I didn't run out and buy a tank and then start asking questions.
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Troublekitty
New member
Anyways Ill continue to update this thread if anyone else runs into this issue. So I did the WC yesterday and it brought everything down to normal but I want to make sure the bacteria is present enough to convert ammonia and nitrite in a 24 hr period. I will update tomorrow around 5pm
Farmacy
New member
I'm right there with ya. Lol:debi:
Sorry but it appears you have misinterpreted my post, which was directed to mcgyvr in response to his/her statement. We were simply discussing the efficacy of possibly cycling a tank in 9 days and not criticizing you...
Troublekitty
New member
I didn't take it that way. It's hard to judge someone's tone through text. I'm just explaining why I chose the ammonia method. When I upgrade in a year or so I'll probably do the ghost feed method. I like to try different ways to do things as long as they get done right you know.
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Great!...Yes, that's why I'm weary of texts/emails, things can easily get lost in translation.
Troublekitty
New member
So I redosed ammonia yesterday around 5pm to see if my tank was strong enough to convert NH3 & NO2 in 24 hours. Well it didn't so clearly my tank isn't strong enough. I had hoped it would but I figured it wouldnt also. I'm gonna just let this ride till I'm at 0 then redose. Ill be back with an update Friday.
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I hate to say it but think the water change has prolonged the cycle...sorry... I'd just let the tank sit and wait till there are diatoms developing on the live rock, which will be your signal that the beginning of the end of the cycle has started. which avgs 21 days when using a dead piece of shrimp. It also looks like ur using uncured live rock, which will also prolong the cycle unfortunately.
I'd also leave the tank lights off during the 1st month or else algae will take hold in ur tank.
not sure if u read Meleev's article about cycling... very good and concise readhttp://www.melevsreef.com/cycle
good luck.
I'd also leave the tank lights off during the 1st month or else algae will take hold in ur tank.
not sure if u read Meleev's article about cycling... very good and concise readhttp://www.melevsreef.com/cycle
good luck.
Troublekitty
New member
Yeah I'm sure the water change wasn't the right move but oh well you live and learn. Im starting to see diatoms growing so that's a good sign. In the directions for Dr Tim's it says to dose when NH3 and NO2 are at 0 to see if your tank will consume both in 24 hrs. I started logging my results in a little book and post results here for people who might be having the same questions I'm having.
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Troublekitty
New member
So I know I said I'd update on Friday but I did another test and was pleased to see that my tank can consume NH3 in 48 hrs. The NO2 looks like it hasn't changed but it does get converted at a slower rate. Also diatoms are starting to pop up so yay progress! I'll probably update tomorrow as well lol.
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Troublekitty
New member
So I tested again but dumped the solutions before I could take a pic.
Results
NH3 0
NO2 .25ppm
NO3 40ppm
So now my tank is cycling NO2 but I'm gonna keep dosing until my tank can cycle in 24 hrs.
So dosing tomorrow and lol update Sunday. Have a great weekend everyone.
Results
NH3 0
NO2 .25ppm
NO3 40ppm
So now my tank is cycling NO2 but I'm gonna keep dosing until my tank can cycle in 24 hrs.
So dosing tomorrow and lol update Sunday. Have a great weekend everyone.
Troublekitty
New member
With the Dr Tim's method it's 4 drops per gallon of ammonia. Even with live rock and sand that's gonna be a lot of counting. I don't want to discourage you from cycling this way just wanted to let you know what's in store.
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Troublekitty
New member
So today is Sunday the 21st. I dosed yesterday once NH3 and NO2 were both at 0. This test was taken a little around 24 hrs later. So my NH3 cycle is shortening. I'm positive that sometime this evening it will read 0. NO2 is still high but I'm hoping tomorrow it reads at least .25ppm. Diatoms are slowly starting to take over. They are now present on the sand and more spots on the rock.
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I get this but I have also found a conversion for it 1 tea spoon is 5 ml which is 100 drops should make it a little easier
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Troublekitty
New member
Oh you're golden then. When are you gonna setup and start cycling?
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I'm filling the tank with water on Wednesday but I will need to go into my lfs to see if they have my fish in as the generally don't stock the size I want they should of ordered them for me but I don't want to start the cycle until I know I'm able to put the fish in when it's ready and would like my local lfs to have the fish for a week to monitor them
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Troublekitty
New member
So the results are in and my guess was correct. NO2 is .25 ppm. This was taken at 11am so by this evening it will read 0. The cycle is shortening!!! Once my tank cycles I still plan on letting the diatoms take over and eat up some of the NO3. Once they start dying out I'll add my CUC. For a tank this small what would be a good crew. I like the red and blue legged hermits. I was thinking like 2 of each and 2 spiny star Astraea? Also my stock list is small but I want a fire shrimp and 2 oscellaris clowns. Would it be better to add the shrimp first then clowns later or fish first?
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