Irish girl needing more advice !

[Mr. Limpet]

I'm personally not a fan of any bottled bacteria or cycling products. Ive heard too many stories of crashed bio-filters that we've linked back to one of the "instant cycling" products. I think the best two items for a successful fish-in cycle are a bucket and a bottle of Prime.

Here's a good article you can check out though...it's a bit long winded, but gives some great info and also reviews many of the cycling products.
Aquarium Nitrogen Cycle and cycling. Methods for ammonia, nitrite removal.

I agree eco, I'm not a fan either, but I used some of these years ago and didn't have any issues with my tank crashing. I'm always leery of "stories" because of all the variables involved. Carbon stories are a perfect example.

 

[donna541]

Today's results still no wc done from Friday .. Ammonia 0-0.25, nitrites 0.25 and nitrates 0 ... Going to do a pwc of around 50% now! Have not used the kb safe water but it sounds very like prime only it doesn't dichloride the tap water !

 

[donna541]

Results b4 water change

 

[donna541]

Water test done approx 24hrs after 50% pwc .. Ammonia 0, nitrites 0, and nitrates 0 ?? I'm totally lost :-(

 

[eco23]

Water test done approx 24hrs after 50% pwc .. Ammonia 0, nitrites 0, and nitrates 0 ?? I'm totally lost :-(

Are you absolutely, 100% sure you are doing the nitrAte test right? You have to shake the #2 solution VERY hard for a full 30 seconds. Once you have added both the solutions, shake the entire test tube vigorously for a full minute. The solution likes to solidify and you really need to shake it to get accurate results.

 

[Mr. Limpet]

Water test done approx 24hrs after 50% pwc .. Ammonia 0, nitrites 0, and nitrates 0 ?? I'm totally lost :-(

Nope, you're fine. It takes time, just keep and eye on the ammo and no2 so they don't get too high. Eventually you'll see no3 and get close to finishing your cycle.

 

[WendiDell]

+1 with Mr. Limpet. Try and be patient a little longer, I know it's rough. But you will get there, we all have sooner or later.

 

[donna541]

Ye ha I'm officially cycled and no fish died thank goodness ... Thanks for all ur help and support

 

[WendiDell]

Ye ha I'm officially cycled and no fish died thank goodness ... Thanks for all ur help and support

YAAA!!! Congrats. on both. It a great feeling isn't it, knowing you and your fish made it through? It's also a great feeling to know that the hardest part is OVER. Now you can sit back enjoy your fish so much more, instead of work and worry.

 

[roydooms]

Congrats Donna!

 

[donna541]

Thanks again xo

 

[Mr. Limpet]

Ye ha I'm officially cycled and no fish died thank goodness ... Thanks for all ur help and support

Great job!

The harder roads are always sweeter once you get down them ..