New tank cycling help!

[Sockfootfrank]

I am trying to cycle a new 20 gal tank. I am cycling it by "feeding it" and I have had it going at 84 ish degrees for about 13 days. The ammonia is really high but my nitrite levels are still reading at 0!! What am I doing wrong? When will the ammonia start to break down into nitrite?? Help!

 

[mikeISright]

I am trying to cycle a new 20 gal tank. I am cycling it by "feeding it" and I have had it going at 84 ish degrees for about 13 days. The ammonia is really high but my nitrite levels are still reading at 0!! What am I doing wrong? When will the ammonia start to break down into nitrite?? Help!

What exactly do u mean by "feeding it?" and i would say maybe try some Ammolock from ur LFS or even petsmart. That will cancel out the ammonia. Also add one or two zebra danios to help start the bacteria colony in your tank. If u dont want zebra danios try another hardy fish that u want. Give it about 2 or 3 more weeks and u should be ok! Im cycling a 55 gallon right now with some tiger barbs. Hope this helps!

 

[Mumma.of.two]

13 days isn't anything to worry about yet.
Are you using fish food? Can I suggest using pure ammonia instead? It doesn't cause a mess or high phosphates like fish food can.
Guide to Starting a Freshwater Aquarium - Aquarium Advice
Here's is the getting started guide.

What exactly do u mean by "feeding it?" and i would say maybe try some Ammolock from ur LFS or even petsmart. That will cancel out the ammonia. Also add one or two zebra danios to help start the bacteria colony in your tank. If u dont want zebra danios try another hardy fish that u want. Give it about 2 or 3 more weeks and u should be ok! Im cycling a 55 gallon right now with some tiger barbs. Hope this helps!

Ammolock doesn't cancel out ammonia. What it does is temporarily converts it to a less toxic form for 24-48 hours. Also giving the tank 2-3 weeks is not going to guarantee a complete cycle.

ETA: oh and what's the pH? Has it been stable? Or changing?

 

[mikeISright]

Sorry i should have been more clear. Yes ammo lock will not permenantly cancel out ammonia. It will just help if u wanna add a few fish to start the bacteria in ur tank. And 2 to 3 weeks was just my estimate based off the size of the tank. In general tanks take 4-8 weeks to cycle. Sorry about the confusion.

 

[boadams87]

Im with mumma, and if ammonia is to high it'll slow the cycle down.