bghouse
Aquarium Advice Apprentice
I'm hoping someone can give me a thumbs up or down on what is going on during my cycle. I've been reading everything I can, including these great forums, to try and make sure I do this right.
Tank is Eclipse System 6 (6 gallon). Gravel, a couple of fake plants, heater, 2 stones and a bubble wand.
Put everything together Friday last week, turned on everything and let sit. Wasn't sure about getting a fish yet, so started researching on the internet and found out about fishless cycling. Decided to go this route, so I left the tank running over the weekend, and went out to get all my test kits, ammonia, etc.
Started the cycle on Monday, and from everything I've read the readings seem a bit "funny". (Temp is holding steady at 80, my ph seems to be cursed at 8.0) So here's the weird readings:
Day 1 - Am=0 / Nitrites=.25 / Nitrates=0 (added 10 drops)
Day 2 - Am=2 / Nitriates=.5 / Nitrates=5 (added 10 drops)
Day 3 - Am=2 / Nitrates=.5 / Nitrates = 5 (added 10 drops)
So, is this normal? Should I be trying to get the Ammonia higher faster (i.e. adding more drops)? And should I be seeing these Nitrates yet?
I am noticing a very light white filmy substance on the inside of the tank in a few places. Bacterial bloom?
Any help would be hugely appreciated?
Thank you!
Tank is Eclipse System 6 (6 gallon). Gravel, a couple of fake plants, heater, 2 stones and a bubble wand.
Put everything together Friday last week, turned on everything and let sit. Wasn't sure about getting a fish yet, so started researching on the internet and found out about fishless cycling. Decided to go this route, so I left the tank running over the weekend, and went out to get all my test kits, ammonia, etc.
Started the cycle on Monday, and from everything I've read the readings seem a bit "funny". (Temp is holding steady at 80, my ph seems to be cursed at 8.0) So here's the weird readings:
Day 1 - Am=0 / Nitrites=.25 / Nitrates=0 (added 10 drops)
Day 2 - Am=2 / Nitriates=.5 / Nitrates=5 (added 10 drops)
Day 3 - Am=2 / Nitrates=.5 / Nitrates = 5 (added 10 drops)
So, is this normal? Should I be trying to get the Ammonia higher faster (i.e. adding more drops)? And should I be seeing these Nitrates yet?
I am noticing a very light white filmy substance on the inside of the tank in a few places. Bacterial bloom?
Any help would be hugely appreciated?
Thank you!