Average Cycle

[Bluegillfreak]

I am by in no means in any rush but I was wondering how long the average fish in cycle takes? My water levels seem to be very stable but I do have ammonia present am I even starting to cycle yet?

 

[jlk]

Fish-in cycles can vary quite a bit but typically @6-8wks I would say can be expected but possibily longer. If you have access to some cycled/seeded media, this can cut the time down a quite a bit depending on how much you add (a friend, lfs, or buy it). If your just starting to see your ammonia levels rise, you have a ways to go yet. Have some patience, stay on top of your daily tests & water changes, and you will be fine!

I just learned about cycling but I already have fish. What now?!

 

[Bluegillfreak]

My ph sits around 7.6 ammonia never gets over .5 day to day between changes and I have no nitrites or nitrates yet.

 

[jlk]

Your doing just fine! Have some patience! Start looking into obtaining some cycled media if you desire to speed things up- if you get stuck, you can purchase an 'active' filter from Angelsplus. Otherwise, you will just have to wait for your bacteria to establish themselves.

http://www.angelsplus.com/FiltersSponge.htm