AnxiousVentures
Aquarium Advice Apprentice
Hi!
I am currently in the process of cycling a new 55 gallon tank. I currently have plant substrate, sand, rocks, driftwood, and a variety of plants in the tank as it cycles (which are thriving).
For reference: Today is day 5 of the process.
Day 1: 4PPM Ammonia
Day 2: 4PPM Ammonia
Day 3: 4PPM Ammonia
Day 4: 4PPM Ammonia
Day 5: 2PPM Ammonia, so I tested for nitrites and they were at 0.25PPM Nitrites
On day 4 (yesterday) I added some new plants, as well as a filter sponge from an established, plant-rich aquarium that housed a sorority of Bettas.
This is much sooner than the guide that I am following said this would likely be happening, and so I guess I'm concerned as to whether I did something wrong or whether this is just a normal progression.
This is the guide I'm using: fishlab(.com): how-to-cycle-aquarium
It seems like my next step is to add ammonia, but at this point I'm feeling unsure because of how quickly the nitrites showed up. I understand they need to feed on the ammonia, but I'm unsure at what level I should be keeping the ammonia (thinking around 2PPM but not 100% confident?).
I appreciate any experiences/insight.
I am currently in the process of cycling a new 55 gallon tank. I currently have plant substrate, sand, rocks, driftwood, and a variety of plants in the tank as it cycles (which are thriving).
For reference: Today is day 5 of the process.
Day 1: 4PPM Ammonia
Day 2: 4PPM Ammonia
Day 3: 4PPM Ammonia
Day 4: 4PPM Ammonia
Day 5: 2PPM Ammonia, so I tested for nitrites and they were at 0.25PPM Nitrites
On day 4 (yesterday) I added some new plants, as well as a filter sponge from an established, plant-rich aquarium that housed a sorority of Bettas.
This is much sooner than the guide that I am following said this would likely be happening, and so I guess I'm concerned as to whether I did something wrong or whether this is just a normal progression.
This is the guide I'm using: fishlab(.com): how-to-cycle-aquarium
It seems like my next step is to add ammonia, but at this point I'm feeling unsure because of how quickly the nitrites showed up. I understand they need to feed on the ammonia, but I'm unsure at what level I should be keeping the ammonia (thinking around 2PPM but not 100% confident?).
I appreciate any experiences/insight.
Last edited by a moderator: