cycling

[dgso1036]

When should I start seeing the ammonia start to drop during a fishless cycle? I have a 55 gal that has been running for approximately two weeks and the ammonia hasn't dropped at all yet.

 

[Mumma.of.two]

2 weeks is still in the normal range. I wouldn't worry yet. Make sure the pH is stable and the tanks nice and warm.

 

[dgso1036]

I have the tank around 81 degrees and the Ph is about 4.6. When should I start seeing it drop?

 

[Mumma.of.two]

The pH is 4.6??? Is it normally that low? At around pH 6 nitrification slows or stops. What's your taps pH (after letting sit for 24 hours)?

 

[dgso1036]

Oops....I mean Ph is 7.4

 

[BBradbury]

Fishless Cycling

When should I start seeing the ammonia start to drop during a fishless cycle? I have a 55 gal that has been running for approximately two weeks and the ammonia hasn't dropped at all yet.

Hello d...

I've only had success cycling a tank using fish, but do you have your tank well planted? Were you able to get some used media or a decoration, driftwood, etc. from an established tank? Have you looked into using Seachem's "Stability"?

Your tank may just need a little help to get the ammonia using bacteria growing.

B

 

[dgso1036]

Hi B, I'm using plastic plants. I'm new to this and haven't ventured into the live plants. I don't have any media from another tank. I have thought about putting some of the chemical with the live bacteria in it, but have read you don't need it if you use the ammonia