Smaller the better?

[Kawaipoon]

Hi,

Im currently cycling (fishless); 5 Gallon tank & 30 Gallon tank, both started the same time.

The 5 Gallon tank seems to be cycling alot quicker;
ammonia - 0ppm (after 24hrs)
nitrIte - 5ppm
nitrAte - 30ppm
Therefore possibly halfway through cycling.

Where as the 30 Gallon tank has not progressed at all;
ammonia - 4ppm
nitrIte - 0ppm
nitrAte - 20ppm (same as tap water)

Does this mean that smaller tanks tend to cycle faster? Or could there be anything im doing wrong?

Thanks,

 

[Mr. Limpet]

Hi,

Im currently cycling (fishless); 5 Gallon tank & 30 Gallon tank, both started the same time.

The 5 Gallon tank seems to be cycling alot quicker;
ammonia - 0ppm (after 24hrs)
nitrIte - 5ppm
nitrAte - 30ppm
Therefore possibly halfway through cycling.

Where as the 30 Gallon tank has not progressed at all;
ammonia - 4ppm
nitrIte - 0ppm
nitrAte - 20ppm (same as tap water)

Does this mean that smaller tanks tend to cycle faster? Or could there be anything im doing wrong?

Thanks,

Less water, smaller enviro, quicker cycle. My 8g cycled in 36-48hrs.

 

[Morgie]

Smaller tanks will cycle faster, but they tend to have less water stability than larger tanks. Larger tanks are a lot easier to maintain than smaller ones.
Seems like you're doing everything right though.

 

[EndlersEatGuppies]

My 10g took 1 week to cycle.

 

[nohika]

My 10g took 1 week to cycle.

With seeded media, or no?

 

[Homedog98]

Smaller tanks will cycle faster, but they tend to have less water stability than larger tanks. Larger tanks are a lot easier to maintain than smaller ones.
Seems like you're doing everything right though.

Most definitely... +1!!! you go from cycled, to .5 ammonia if you skip 1 water change because you broke your collar bone!!! Bacteria is not forgiving.

 

[EndlersEatGuppies]

With seeded media, or no?

Yes the cartridge was used.

 

[nohika]

Thought so.