40B Fishless Cycle Journal (1st time not using a fish)

[Aqualady40]

I have never experienced doing a fish-less cycle. Since I have started my 40b, I had procrastinated for over a couple weeks if I were going to do fish-in or fish-less. Well as you all see, I decided to do without the fish. I currently have a 55g with fish that has been going through its cycling phase, so I rather do the frequent water changes to that tank without adding more labor work as of right now. Okay here is the beginning of my new experience....If someone sees I am doing something wrong (not indifferent) please inform me of your suggestions/advice....I want this to be a great experience because I have a 20g waiting on me after I am done getting the 55g and now the 40b cycled

Day 1

At 6:15 a.m. I added 5ml to tank, waited 15 minutes, then ran ammonia test, results were close to 4.0 ppm, @ 6:35 I added 1ml, waited 15 more minutes, retest at 6:55, results were 4.0 ppm (note: originally I was suppose to add 6.06ml).

[Aqualady40]

Day 2

I checked water parameters in the early a.m. and ammo was holding steady at 4.0

I decided to just check a 2nd time (about 6-7 hours later) and ammo is holding its ground at 4.0

Is this about right?
Anyone else did fish-less cycling?
What were your experiences negative/positive?
Would you do it again?
How much ammo do you think you had used in all?
How often you think you had to dose to get it back to 4.0?
When do you think you begin to test for Nitrites?
How long was your nitrite phase?

[librarygirl]

Hi! My replies in blue below....

Originally Posted by Geronica

Day 2

I checked water parameters in the early a.m. and ammo was holding steady at 4.0

I decided to just check a 2nd time (about 6-7 hours later) and ammo is holding its ground at 4.0

Is this about right? Yep. It can take up to two weeks or so to see the initial ammonia drop. Just be patient. Testing once a day is plenty.
Anyone else did fish-less cycling? Yes I have
What were your experiences negative/positive? Well mine is a long story....took 7 months lol Don't ask. Not the norm by any means so don't worry. Most fishless cycles take 4-8 weeks depending on many factors.
Would you do it again? Maybe. I have an established tank though so I can pull media from that tank to cycle another if needed.
How much ammo do you think you had used in all? Not much in total. I still have most of the large bottle I bought from ACE Hardware.
How often you think you had to dose to get it back to 4.0? At first, not much at all. As the cycle progresses (e.g. bacteria starts forming) you'll be eventually dosing once a day when ammonia starts dropping.
When do you think you begin to test for Nitrites? Nitrites typically show up in week 3 or so, after ammonia starts to drop regularly. Every tank is different though.
How long was your nitrite phase? 2.5 weeks. Average is about 3 weeks for nitrites.

Good luck!

[Aqualady40]

wow 7 months......okay I won't ask...lol.....I am going to add media form my 55 once its established it is almost there (not quit)...at least thats my plan....thank you for your input....

Day 3:
Ran ammo test, results remain at 4.0