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I finished at 40 days. There was a hiccup near the end that took a couple of days to fix, or I would have likely been 37-38 as well.

quite possibly, but likely only 2-3 days. Without seeding material, I don't see how it can be done in less than a month.

So far, everyone is behaving themselves!

I was surprised too! I hope the switch flips for you very quickly!

about 40 days.

Cycle ended, Large pwc last night. Stability this am. 60 Gal tank, 3-4 plants, driftwood. Put in a shoal of Green barbs, Harlequin rasboras, 2 turquoise rainbow fish & four corys for a starter. So far, so good!

and.... we have fish! new thread coming.

Well.. I think I'm on track & almost done. The Baking soda took care of the pH and the bacteria started nitrifying the ammonia again. here's where i am today: pH 7.2 Ammonia .5 to 1.0 nitrites .25-.5 Nitrates-somewhere between 80-160 based on the color chart. So, is it time for a 50% pwc to get...

Thanks! I put some soda in to raise the pH quickly and will watch it until I can get some coral. Hopefully, the bacteria will start munching again and knock this cycle out. I'd like to start buying some fish rather than tank stuff, but I'd rather they stay well, so just being impatient, I guess.

If I stabilize the pH, do you think the bacteria will begin to nitrify the ammonia again or am I looking at a major water change & restart? I'm having trouble finding crushed coral or aragonite locally.

well... My ammonia has stopped nitrifying and my pH has bounced between 6.2 and 7 the last week and my nitrites/nitrates are still high. I've done a couple of pwcs. No permanent change. Any advice I'm at about 5.5 weeks.

I'd be happy to- thanks!

http://i.imgur.com/j19z7FB.jpg Here is this morning's status... I dosed the ammonia last night. It's back at around 2-3 (though the pic looks darker). Nitrites .25, nitrates around 100. pH 7-7.2 Getting' there... Only been going about 3-3.5 weeks, so maybe with the next week-10 days....

That could have been the issue. Should've thought of that.

Yep, that's what prompted the thread. I'll be sure & stretch before I test tonight... Might save my hamstring.... :)

My cycling is here for the last 2 days: 1. Ammonia is being depleted quite nicely- I'm having to dose daily to keep bacteria fed 2. Nitrites had gotten near the top of the range on the test kit, but have fallen back to mid range 3. Nitrates barely registering at any time. Any ideas to push it...

Anyone have any experience/comments on this species?

As long as the AC is working, we should be good. You ever deal with Emerald Coast Tropicals in Navarre when you were there? I've been talking with them some online.

About 90-92 at the moment (32-33 C), actually a little cooler than last week. Very humid, though. I'm aiming at about 77F on the tank, which shouldn't be much of a problem as long as the heater works.

Not at all. We might get 10-15 days a year below 25 degrees F. Summers are very hot. I think I'll start with with one filter/heater and perhaps add another one of each in a few months. I like the redundancy, and while I don't plan to overstock, I want the tank to be full. Thanks for the reply!

Is the 7-10 GPH really the rule of thumb? Is it best from your experience? I've seen a lot of different opinion. For me, it means the difference between 1 HOB and 2. Also, if I stay with one HOB, is a single heater enough for a 48" tank, in your opinion?

Would turqouise and Boesemans rainbowfish shoal together or are they species specific?

That's going to be a beautiful fish!

Welcome, from another newbie!

Thanks for the reply!