High ammonia levels no nitrite

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MJenkins1710

Aquarium Advice Newbie
Joined
Aug 19, 2020
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Hi all. Im setting up an old 30 gallon tank. Currentlly letting it cycle. Im still relatively new to this but i do know the basics. But its been about 3 weeks now and my api liquid kit is showing crazy amonia spike. Like im talking 8ppm maybe higher. Last week the water was super cloudy which i assume was just new tank syndrome. I've not put a single thing in it besides gravel which i washed off. But i figured with such high results i should be seeing nitrites but nothing so far. Im trying to be patient but it s rather frustrating. I have a gravel filter. Im probably just being impatient but want to make sure my tank is atleast trying to cylce. I hear it can take about 6 to 7 weeks to get a tank to cycle.
 
4 to 6 weeks for a fishless cycle is typical. Can take longer though, every cycle us different.

A few questions and a few points to raise.

- How have you got your ammonia upto 8ppm? Dosing ammonia? Fish food?

- Have you done anything to seed the filter? Best method is introducing some filter media from an established filter (perhaps you have a friend that keeps fish). Next best option would be a biological booster like Dr Tims One + only or seachem stability. If you dont do anything to seed the filter your 4 to 6 weeks will be more like 3 months.

- 8ppm of ammonia is way too high. Concentrations above 6ppm is generally accepted will kill off any beneficial bacteria. 4ppm is a more normal concentration to start off a fishless cycle. 50% water change is needed to bring that level down.

This is the guide to fishless cycle that people are normally pointed to.

https://www.aquariumadvice.com/tips-and-tricks-for-your-fastest-fishless-cycle/
 
If you have high ammonia and no nitrite, it means that your tank has not fully cycled. It can take quite many weeks for a tank to fully cycle.
 
get some bio safe start stuff works great been using it for years
 
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