Beginning to cycle..questions

[Hbbambislayer]

If it's still way high tomorrow do 50% wc that'll get it down to 4ppm or so. Make sure when you test shake bottles up good. If the teaspoon have you that much at least you learned how many ppm it equals and you can go from that.

 

[brybell]

If it's still way high tomorrow do 50% wc that'll get it down to 4ppm or so. Make sure when you test shake bottles up good. If the teaspoon have you that much at least you learned how many ppm it equals and you can go from that.

Ok thanks!

 

[brybell]

Ok so I tested again this morning and they seemed lower, probably around 5ppm.

temp is at apprx. 84F

 

[brybell]

so ph has increased, seems to be 8.3. Ammonia still high.

I will do a pwc when I get home from work.

 

[brybell]

any opinions/ suggestions?

 

[Hbbambislayer]

Ok don't worry to much about the ph that's normal 50% wc should do it just don't forget your conditioner after you change water

 

[brybell]

Ok don't worry to much about the ph that's normal 50% wc should do it just don't forget your conditioner after you change water

ok thanks. I got prime. I read other places you should treat the water in the bucket, and not to add it to the water directly then add prime afterward.

is that important? I guess it would matter more if there are fish in it?

 

[Hbbambislayer]

Suggestion would be its easier to add ammo than take it out. Little syringe or baby dropper with ml readings on them 1.29 at rite aid.

 

[brybell]

Suggestion would be its easier to add ammo than take it out. Little syringe or baby dropper with ml readings on them 1.29 at rite aid.

thats what I got. i only added small amount but i think combined with the stresszyme it was high.

 

[Hbbambislayer]

Get it down to 4ppm than check it 24hrs and we'll go from there

 

[Hbbambislayer]

Did you get to do your water change?

 

[brybell]

Did you get to do your water change?

Yes! 50% change...brought ammonia down to 4ppm!

Now I guess ill wait patiently. keep you posted.

 

[Hbbambislayer]

Cool. Test again in 24 see how its doing like I said b4 it may take 2-3 days at the earliest b4 you see ammo start to drop but for now just test ammo and ph every 24 hours. Also remember what I said about your lights.

 

[brybell]

Cool. Test again in 24 see how its doing like I said b4 it may take 2-3 days at the earliest b4 you see ammo start to drop but for now just test ammo and ph every 24 hours. Also remember what I said about your lights.

Yep! I already adjusted the timer down to about 7hrs.

 

[Hbbambislayer]

Another thing I'm guesing you have a HOB filter it wouldn't hurt to lower the water level a bit in the tank too get good surface agitation create more O2 for the BB. More O2 the better to get the BB going or if your running an air stone thatll be fine.

 

[brybell]

Another thing I'm guesing you have a HOB filter it wouldn't hurt to lower the water level a bit in the tank too get good surface agitation create more O2 for the BB. More O2 the better to get the BB going or if your running an air stone thatll be fine.

Ok thanks. ph after pwc is testing 8.

 

[Hbbambislayer]

Itll go back up again to the 8.3 area which is good and it should hover in that area. That little piece of driftwood may knock it down a bit but prob not.

 

[brybell]

Itll go back up again to the 8.3 area which is good and it should hover in that area. That little piece of driftwood may knock it down a bit but prob not.

i tested again, but will again tonight at 24hr mark.

ph rose slightly to 8.1

ammonia looked a little less green but very slight, maybe just under 4ppm.

tested nitrite for the hell of it and it actually wasnt as sky blue as it was when i originally tested, it had a shade darker towards the purple. id say maybe .1-.2?

I broke down and did buy api quick start which was labeled "new formula" haha. I read lots of reviews, some people swear by them others say they dont work but most said it doesnt hurt anything. i thought it can only help at least start the bacteria, if anything...especially since i have no seed material. plus im not in a hurry, so not trying to use quick start to instantly put fish in, just quicken the fishless cycle.

will update later.

 

[brybell]

so nitrites definitely now .25


ammonia very slightly lower.

 

[Hbbambislayer]

That's good don't need to do anything tonight