4 weeks into the cycle and NOTHING has happened

[snipes287]

hey yesterday was the start of week 4 and I have yet to see any nitrates or nitrites. should I drain the tank and start over? I have nothing from old tanks so I cant really jump start it. what do you think about buying a plant and putting it in there?

just don't know what to do...

 

[talloulou]

What have you been doing up to this point?

 

[snipes287]

nothing other than adding some amonia when it drops below 3 or 4 ppm

 

[mattrox]

Keep it up. As cycling times can vary. What are your maximum ammonia levels? If it builds up too much it can impede the process. But I doubt this is the case.

Oh, and what test kit are you using?

 

[snipes287]

im using the aquarium pharmaceuticals one and my max is around 5

 

[mattrox]

Good test kit. Maybe keep it in the 2-3 pmm range for a bit. I bet your cycle is just around the corner anyway.

 

[Zagz]

Perhaps also add some fish food and see if you can borrow some filter media from someone with an established tank. Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[snipes287]

alright ill go ahead and add some more water to bring the amonia down and I don't know anyone else with a fish tank around here so it looks like ima have to continue with mother nature.

how much food should I put in the tank? a pinch, a flake?

 

[greenmaji]

go for the pinch