Nursery tank issue

[dmolavi]

So I keep a small tank for new fry, and have noticed that even if I use water from my main tank, once the tank is up for about a week, it starts a small cycle and nitrites/ammonia start to creep up.

What's the best way to avoid this? Should I keep the nursery tank filter running even when no fry are present to add to the bioload? Should I keep a couple of small fish in it to maintain the water parameters?

 

[Fishanatic]

So I keep a small tank for new fry, and have noticed that even if I use water from my main tank, once the tank is up for about a week, it starts a small cycle and nitrites/ammonia start to creep up.

What's the best way to avoid this? Should I keep the nursery tank filter running even when no fry are present to add to the bioload? Should I keep a couple of small fish in it to maintain the water parameters?

If there is no ammonia, there will be no cycle, unless you're using a direct share with you're main tanks water, the cycle shouldn't happen. If you are, i would keep the filter running, because the filter is the one with the good bacteria. I'm not sure about adding a couple of fish, but it isn't a bad idea if it can actually stabilize it, but i doubt it.

 

[dmolavi]

I pulled the water directly from the main tank that had zero ammonia and nitrites, and now both are creeping up. I had to do an emergency detox w/ Prime this afternoon to pull the nitrite levels down.

 

[Fishanatic]

I pulled the water directly from the main tank that had zero ammonia and nitrites, and now both are creeping up. I had to do an emergency detox w/ Prime this afternoon to pull the nitrite levels down.

Do you have anything in it?

 

[dmolavi]

Half a dozen guppy fry. They're actually doing very well..surprisingly..

 

[Fishanatic]

Half a dozen guppy fry. They're actually doing very well..surprisingly..

The i doubt it should be much of a problem. If you can try changing a bit of water to dilute the ammonia/nitrite.

 

[dmolavi]

I'll give that a try tomorrow.

 

[Aqualady40]

IMO, I would place the filter on the main tank till needed that way you build bb when not in use

 

[Aqualady40]

Half a dozen guppy fry. They're actually doing very well..surprisingly..

Keep up on your testing and pwc's as needed...good luck