Fish Cycle Stalled - Aquarium Advice

paleogirlfl · 09-13-2009, 01:10 AM

Ok - I apologize in advance here. I have looked through pages of threads and can find nothing regarding my particular situation. Am I just being an impatient newbie?

I started my 49 gallon tank up to cycle on 9/8. Before the fish were added on 9/10 I added a bacterial supplement to kickstart the cycle. I did a preliminary water test to establish a baseline. This resulted in zeros of course, across the board (nitrates, nitrites, ammonia) and 8.0 for PH.

Again, the fish were added on 9/10 and I have seen NO change in the numbers. I would think there would at least be major fluctuation in ammonia. I had planned on doing frequent water changes because of the "non fish-less cycle" (admonish me now, I know) and am fully prepared to do this responsibly.

Has the cycle stalled, not started, what's going on? Am I just being impatient??

Substrate: PFS, River rock
Temp: 78-80F

Test Kit: API Freshwater Master Test Kit

PH: 8.0
Nitrites: 0
Nitrates: 0
Ammonia: 0

Filters: Over the back - two filter slot AND sponge filter

Fish: 11 African Cichlids

Also did a filter "squeeze" from a friends established tank filter. My own filters (double over the back style) look ripe with growth.

Help!

spoonman · 09-13-2009, 02:34 AM

If it was cycled you would have some nitrAtes, especially with 11 fish in there. The cycle will not stall with 11 fish in there. Do you have a liquid test kit? That is the best and most accurate. There is a good link in my signature about cycling with fish. Check it out and ask any questions you need to. We are here to help. BTW, welcome to AA!