Recent content by MJ 1044

I have done a 100% water change for 4 days in a row with the situation occurring each day and I know my fresh water is fine. I just happened to have on hand brand new API ammonia and nitrate test kits but no nitrite test kit. I did have new API test strips so I used that for nitrite test. The...

Almost nothing in tank and my fresh water tests 0 for ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. Could a stalled cycle at some point kill beneficial bacteria in the sponges of my HOB and raise my nitrates? There is almost nothing else that could contribute to nitrates which is why I am confused. I am...

Thank you for your reply. What I can't grasp is why my nitrates are 80+ ppm after an almost 100% water change. I realize that dosing ammonia (prior to adding fish) will raise the nitrates a little (15ppm as you indicated).

Could an experienced hobbyist please help me with my fishless cycle. For the last 4 days my tests indicate that my tank is cycled. Zero ammonia and nitrites after adding 3 or 4 ppm ammonia the day before. The problem is with the nitrates. Looks like the tank is cycled with -0-ammonia and...