Cycle won’t start

[Ell23]

Hi All,
We’re starting our first tank off with a fishless cycle. It’s been going for 3 weeks now. I initially dosed to 4ppm ammonia with Dr Tim’s. It took well over a week to get to 2ppm. I’ve dosed one more time since but now it won’t stop from 4ppm. There are no nitrites and 20ppm nitrates but this is from our tap water. Ph in the tank is 6.6 it’s over 7 from the tap but we have fluval stratum so that impacts it as it lowers the ph.
I’m just at a loss as to what would be causing the ammonia to not reduce. Could anyone help please?
I have attached photos of our tank and tank water tests.
Thanks

 

[Aiken Drum]

If you have done nothing to aid your cycle i would say what you are seeing is typical. The best way to speed up a cycle is to intruduce some filter media from the filter of an established aquarium. Perhaps you have a friend who keeps fish who could let you have some?

A second option is to use some bottled bacteria, for instance Dr Tims One and Only. These products are hit and miss (more often miss) but might help.

A higher water temperature is beneficial to bacteria growth. 28 to 30c 83 to 87f is optimum.

Some people say that a water change can kick start a stalled cycle.

No need to top up ammonia to 4ppm. Whenever it drops below 1ppm top up to 2ppm. When you are able to dose 2ppm ammonia and 24 hours later see 0ppm ammonia and nitrite you are cycled.

A low pH might slow down your cycle, but you should still be able to get your tank cycled. Many people keep fish in low pH water.

 

[Ell23]

Sorry forgot to mention I had been adding some Interpet filter start but it wasn’t all that pricey so doubt it was the best stuff to use. Unfortunately we don’t have anyone we could get any established filter media from. Might try another form of bottled bacteria like you have suggested.

Is it just a case of patiently waiting until the ammonia drops?

 

[Aiken Drum]

Apart from doing what you are doing and what other measures i have suggested, then yes, its a waiting game. Dont be surprised if it takes 2 or 3 months.

The alternative is fish in cycle if you cant get your fishless cycle going.