Starting up a tank - cycling question

[latvian]

Hi,

I am starting up a new 54L tank. I have followed the articles on this forum on how to fishless-cycling a tank. I have added ammonia to the tank and been keeping the tank running (with no fish) for more than 15 days now and the ammonia level is still > 5 ppm! I did 50-60% water changes two times and the ammonia level is still high.

Is this normal? Do I need to completly empty the tank and re-fill it with water?

Thanks in advance


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[enrgizerbunny]

Hi,

I am starting up a new 54L tank. I have followed the articles on this forum on how to fishless-cycling a tank. I have added ammonia to the tank and been keeping the tank running (with no fish) for more than 15 days now and the ammonia level is still > 5 ppm! I did 50-60% water changes two times and the ammonia level is still high.

Is this normal? Do I need to completly empty the tank and re-fill it with water?

Thanks in advance


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Just let it run and forget about it for a couple weeks. Test then add ammonia as needed.

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[ScotJudd]

Fish less cycling, whilst definitely the best and safest way to cycle a tank, can be slow to get off the ground. Without a bacteria source you are relying on naturally occurring bacteria to populate your filter which can take some time. I am not a fan of bacteria starter cultures as they are so unreliable but a small piece of seeded filter media from another tank put into your filter is a very good way of giving the cycle a kick start.
However, your tank will cycle eventually but it can take a long time. There is no exact amount of time as all tanks and setups vary so much.


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