Cycle screwed up?!!

[Shelby]

I have been cycling my 10 gallon tank for about 20 days now, and a few days ago my readings were 3.0 Ammonia, 5.0 Nitrites, 80+ Nitrates.

I removed a decoration out of the tank because my husband wanted something else in there and added a different decoration. A day after that I tested the water again and it was still the same readings.

Someone told me to do a partial water change, so I did a 25% water change and added prime and more ammonia to get it up to 2.0.

Ok so now I have tested the water for about 2 1/2 days and my readings are 2.0 Ammonia (didn't change in 2 days!), 0 Nitrites, and 40 Nitrates.

Did I screw up my cycle??? If I did what do I do to fix it??

 

[taylorodw]

Welcome to AA Shelby!

I don't think you screwed up the cycle.

Remove decorations does remove SOME bacteria, but in a filtered, cycled tank would not cause a readable ammonia spike.

The only thing I could think of would be a chemical on the decoration, and I'm curious if it was from an aquarium shop (or Petco, etc aquarium section) and if it was rinsed.

Otherwise, it's just a waiting game. A 25% change would not remove all 5.0 nitrites so it seems as though you do have some good activity.

 

[BigJim]

What are you using to test your water? If you're using strips, that may be your problem. They're not very accurate most of the time. Invest in a good liquid reagent test kit. I'm a fan of the API Freshwater Master. It's a little expensive, but it lasts forever and is cheaper per test than the strips.

I think I'd actually do another 50%-75% PWC to get the nitrates down below 20ppm. Redose the ammonia and keep checking. It sounds like you're close.

 

[Shelby]

The only thing I could think of would be a chemical on the decoration, and I'm curious if it was from an aquarium shop (or Petco, etc aquarium section) and if it was rinsed.

I bought the decoration off of amazon.com and I did rinse it off with hot water.

A 25% change would not remove all 5.0 nitrites so it seems as though you do have some good activity.

That is what is bothering me the most.. After I did the water change my nitrites went from 5 to 0.

What are you using to test your water? If you're using strips, that may be your problem. They're not very accurate most of the time. Invest in a good liquid reagent test kit. I'm a fan of the API Freshwater Master. It's a little expensive, but it lasts forever and is cheaper per test than the strips.

I am using the API master kit.

I think I'd actually do another 50%-75% PWC to get the nitrates down below 20ppm. Redose the ammonia and keep checking. It sounds like you're close.

Ok I will try that!

 

[meegosh]

Are there any fish in the tank? If so, keep your ammonia and nitrites below 0.25ppm.

A few good articles:
Nitrogen Cycle
Tips and tricks for your fastest fishless cycle!

 

[Shelby]

No this is a fishless cycle.

 

[meegosh]

Missed the part about adding more prime and ammonia. I would shoot for closer to 4ppm of ammonia. You may have stalled your cycle a little but it should bounce back. I would try finding some type of seed material (used filter sponges, gravel, anything) from an established tank. That drastically speeds up your cycle time.