trying fishless cycle, but tank is all cloudy

[skiweeangel]

Hello there,

So in an effort to save a few fish I am trying a fishless cycle on our new 55gal tank in my son's room. We just upgraded from a 10gal, we wanted a bigger tank and a friend gave us his old one. We set it up and I wanted to try the fishless cycle so I didn't inadvertently kill some poor wee fish. I have the undergravel filter and a power filter running (couldn't afford a canister at this point) and tried API Stress Zyme. I doubt any bacteria is is alive in the bottle and now our tank is all cloudy. Any suggestions on what to do next? I am on my way out to pick up some ammonia and a test kit.

Please give me a little insight.

 

[Viper]

It is a white-ish cloud? If so, it is most likely the beneficial bacteria free-floating in the water. This is referred to as a bacterial bloom. Eventually, they bacteria will colonize with the majority of that colonization taking place in your filter(s).

 

[BigJim]

I think a cloudy bacteria bloom is a different type of bacteria than your beneficial bacteria.

Either way, it sounds like a bacteria bloom. It's a pretty common occurrence when high ammonia levels are present. I wouldn't worry about it while you're cycling.

 

[Viper]

I think a cloudy bacteria bloom is a different type of bacteria than your beneficial bacteria.

Either way, it sounds like a bacteria bloom. It's a pretty common occurrence when high ammonia levels are present. I wouldn't worry about it while you're cycling.

You are probably right on this, although it is still possible it is the beneficial bacteria.

Bacterial Blooms Explained - Tropical Fish Forums

 

[skiweeangel]

thank you so much for getting back to me.

 

[skiweeangel]

my ammonia levels are wicked low and i have not been able to find any pure ammonia.... darn. should i try throwing in some fish flakes?

 

[Mr. Limpet]

my ammonia levels are wicked low and i have not been able to find any pure ammonia.... darn. should i try throwing in some fish flakes?

Yes, anything that will feed the bacteria is good IMO. I used some left over peas (slightly crushed) in a coffee filter and got a huge bacteria bloom. That (for food) and some seeded filter media and I was fully cycled in less than 48hrs. Fish shopping today I hope, but I've been adding crushed flakes to keep cycled.

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