Fishless cycle question

[Trueblue8]

Hi,

I started the process of fishless cycle ~3 weeks ago. Everything was going well. Ammonia waa dropping from 4ppm to 2ppm within 24 hours. I was seeing nitrites and nitrates.

2 days ago, my ph level dropped and I did a 75% water change to restore buffers. Since then, my ammonia levels haven't decreased. They are exactly the same (4ppm). I am still seeing nitrite (~1ppm) and nitrates (5ppm).

Im concerned about my ammonia not dropping. My ph is also around 6.6.

Has my cycle gone bad due to low ph levels? Should I add crushed corals?

Any help would be appreciated

 

[ColdKoi]

I’m far from an expert but I’d say you crashed the cycle with your massive water change.

I assume you used a water conditioner if you have chlorinated water? That’ll definitely do it

I was in the same boat with my 29gal with its fish-in cycle and I saw massive ammonia spikes with a ph drop. With the advise of others I just maintained my regular 25-30% water changes weekly and within a week or 2 the tank levelled out and we were close to a full cycle

 

[gilpi]

Give it more time. I do fish in cycles and it has taken me well over a month.

 

[King Fisher]

Sounds like you're in the middle of the cycle. If there's no fish then no problem. Ride it out.