Now What... Fish-less Cycle

[Koppriecht]

Hello

I started my fish-less cycle in my 110 gallon tank about 3 weeks ago. I finally got my Ammonia down to .25 ppm, Nitrite is 0 ppm, and Nitrate is around 40 ppm. Is it time for a water change and at what percent?

Curious

 

[jandd661]

Do a large 80 to 90% change. Then get your ammonia back up to 4 ppm. If your NH3/4 drops to 0 and Nitrites drop to 0 and have lots of Nitrates your good. See Item 7.L in article The (almost) Complete Guide and FAQ to Fishless Cycling.

Hope this helps

 

[Koppriecht]

Ok, so I drained 90% of the tank water. Now I am filling it back up. Do I add Prime to dechlorinate the water before I add ammonia?

 

[jandd661]

Yes. Chlorine will kill all your hard work. Turn off your filter, De-Chlorinate the water before putting it in if possible.

 

[Koppriecht]

How long does it take for the dechlorination to take place?

 

[Koppriecht]

I read up on dechlorination and it seems to be pretty instant. I made sure the filter was off and filled the tank around 20%, then added Prime. I filled the tank all the way before turning on the filter at the end. Then I added some ammonia. I will test the levels in the morning. I think all is well.

 

[RadMax8]

I always add prime to the bucket before I put water in. This way it mixes when I fill it, then add the water to the tank. Chlorine is bad stuff when it comes to the aquarium. What you did is probably fine, but for the future might want to make sure the prime is added first!


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