Starting the cycle

[dkpate]

BioZyme reeks.

 

[eric416]

Looks like 3.5 teaspoons of ammonia was too much, it reading dark green between 6-8ppm i would say. the ph is high as well around 7.6. Should I give it some time and keep testing it or do a pwc?

 

[mfdrookie516]

if its not above 7, it shouldnt be a problem... anything 8+ will stall the cycle... if its above 8, do a pwc

 

[eric416]

you think 25% pwc is enough or should i do more?

 

[mfdrookie516]

hard to say... wouldnt hurt to do 25%, test, then do more if necessary...

 

[eric416]

did a 30% water change. got the ammonia to 4ppm and nitrite is now at .25ppm after 1 full week. The ph is still high at 7.6, should i add ph down at this point or will it go down on its own?

 

[dkpate]

Do not use pH Down. My pH is 7.6 and my fish are just fine. As you might have read on here already, the pH doesn't matter too much, you only have to worry about that when you acclimate your new fish to your tank and water.

 

[mfdrookie516]

you are cycling, ph will bounce all over the place... dont even waste the chemicals to test ph right now. and never use ph down... it will lower it, for a few hours, then cause ph swings, which will harm the fish. good to see the nitrites up, youre getting in to the cycle now

 

[eric416]

So Im now about 4 weeks into my cycle. Ammonia is at zero and the Nitrite should be spiking soon. Ph is normal too. I have some questions and concerns though...What would be a good setting for my light timer? When should it turn on and off rather? So far I have not turned the light on at all while cycling.

My other concern is that I am starting to see a build of of mold (i think) on the inside of my hood. It looks gray and fuzzy. Why is that and what can I do to stop it. Here are some pics of it as well as my set up.

 

[mfdrookie516]

how much ammonia are you dosing every day? at 4 weeks and ammonia at 0, you should have nitrites already, mainly because the ammonia is at 0

 

[eric416]

1/2 to 1 tsp a day. I have nitirites but i dont think they spiked yet because nitrates are still 0

 

[dkpate]

Beautiful tank and stand! Looks great and I am jealous!
Are you shaking the #2 bottle for nitrates long enough? And I believe that test you put in the first 10 drops from #1, cap the tube, shake it, then put the 10 of #2, shake for 1 minute, then wait 5 mins for results. Just a thought.

 

[eric416]

yes i am following the directions exact. The last 3 colors on the card are so close that i cant tell, maybe i will get a better reading in the next few days. Thanks for the compliments...i garbage picked that tank and stand and refinished it. I think it was homemade

Anyone have any thoughts on the mold problem i described?

 

[eric416]

My nitrites spiked and are now down to .25, is it safe to do the final water change yet?