I have been cycling my tank for what feels like forever!
I have a 15 gallon tank. I have a Fluval internal 30 filter. It is heated to a temperature of 76 and has an air stone going for additional oxygenation. All artificial plants.
I set the tank up and used Quick Start about 3 months ago. After it ran for a couple of weeks I added 5 zebra danio to the tank. I continuously monitored the water and did frequent water changes as well as using an ammonia neutralizer a couple of times.
At one point I thought the tank was cycled and added a couple fish who unfortunately didn't make it.
At the current time my tank has 2 zebra danios and 1 female swordtail who all seem to be happy and doing well.
I am still testing water daily and doing 25-30% water changes every couple of days and adding a small amount of Quick Start to dechlorinate.
My current water parameters:
PH 8.0
Ammonia .25 ppm
Nitrates 20-40 ppm
Nitrites 5+
GH 120
KH 80-120
I did a 30% water change today and a couple hours later tested the water and it hadn't changed a bit.
I am anxious to get my fish some friends but don't want to just kill fish. Where do you think I am in the cycling process and what steps should I take considering the water parameters? What else can I do to keep my fish happy & healthy?
Thanks for any advice. I have had tanks in the past but it's been 10-15 years and I never had one take this long to cycle.
I have a 15 gallon tank. I have a Fluval internal 30 filter. It is heated to a temperature of 76 and has an air stone going for additional oxygenation. All artificial plants.
I set the tank up and used Quick Start about 3 months ago. After it ran for a couple of weeks I added 5 zebra danio to the tank. I continuously monitored the water and did frequent water changes as well as using an ammonia neutralizer a couple of times.
At one point I thought the tank was cycled and added a couple fish who unfortunately didn't make it.
At the current time my tank has 2 zebra danios and 1 female swordtail who all seem to be happy and doing well.
I am still testing water daily and doing 25-30% water changes every couple of days and adding a small amount of Quick Start to dechlorinate.
My current water parameters:
PH 8.0
Ammonia .25 ppm
Nitrates 20-40 ppm
Nitrites 5+
GH 120
KH 80-120
I did a 30% water change today and a couple hours later tested the water and it hadn't changed a bit.
I am anxious to get my fish some friends but don't want to just kill fish. Where do you think I am in the cycling process and what steps should I take considering the water parameters? What else can I do to keep my fish happy & healthy?
Thanks for any advice. I have had tanks in the past but it's been 10-15 years and I never had one take this long to cycle.