Odd nitrogen cycle behavior (with fish)

[derwood]

Like many newcomers I began my fish tank cycle with fish and discovered fishless cycling after it was too late.

Skipping ahead a little more than a month with 3 cherry barbs remaining my tank is starting to exhibit some unusual readings that I can't figure out. For the last 2 weeks ammonia has stabilized at .25 ppm and I have not needed to do a water change. Prior to this I was doing a 15-20% pwc daily to keep levels below .25. Nothing registers when I test for NitrItes or NitrAtes--they both read 0. I did a 20% pwc today to see if anything would change but so far everything is the same sans the ammonia dropping below .25.

I started using Stress Zyme around the same time the ammonia stabilized so I'm thinking it has something to do with the readings but I have only used it once per week as per the directions. Additionally, I have 1 java fern in my tank (36 gal bowfront).

Does anyone have an explanation of what is happening?

 

[ejaramillo01]

Do you know if that Stress Zyme, besides the claim of adding bacteria, has also some Ammonia remover??

 

[jenatron]

Ejaramillo, I don't think Stress Zyme is a de-chlorinator. If the OP isn't using a de-chlorinator that could be a problem..

Derwood: what type of test kit are you using? It's odd that you would have no nitrAtes at all when the tanks over a month old. Also, you might want to consider doing water changes anyway. It's up to you, but essentially anything besides 0 ppm is bad for ammonia and nitrItes.

 

[ejaramillo01]

I think that you are right Jen. Here is what I found about stress zyme from the API website:
"Improves the development of the biological filter and helps clean a dirty aquarium. Contains over 300 million live bacteria per teaspoonful. Breaks down organic compounds that cause dangerous conditions such as ammonia and nitrite poisoning and low oxygen levels. Continuous use assures an active biological filter, cleaner aquarium, healthier fish and good water quality. No refrigeration necessary. Use when setting up and maintaining an aquarium. For use in fresh and saltwater. "

 

[derwood]

Thanks for the comments so far...

Ejaramillo, I am aware Stress Zyme removes ammonia but I didn't expect it to continue to do so for a couple weeks.

Jen, I have used a de-chlorinator since day one...My test kit is the liquid API master kit. I thought it was odd I don't have any nitrAtes at this point too (or nitrItes for that matter)--could it be that my java fern is sucking up all of them? I was really hoping to be nearly done with the cycle by now--I'm getting very impatient :'-(