Finally got a dirty pad

[davidberger]

Started a fish less cycle last Sunday, 46!gallon, fluval c4, play sand bottom. One Anubis plant, rest fake. Couple rocks and pebble/ shells to cover air stone. Temp up to 82.

Sunday ammonia was dosed to 4ppm
Ph was 7.4.

Today ammonia was still 4ish with ph now 8.2

Almost home with bacterial pad in water bag.

Should the ph scare me? Water change with prime first? Then redose ammonia to 4? Thanks

 

[venymae]

Well I don't think it will affect your bacteria much, but it might affect your fish. ANyone know more?

 

[ScotJudd]

I wouldn't water change yet - you said it was fish less so I'd just let it get on with starting the cycling. I only water change when nitrite reading exceeds the test chart ( personal choice). Wait for ammonia to drop to 1 then increase again to 4. Deal with Ph later on, I believe a very low (acid) Ph affects bacteria growth so you should be fine at Ph8. Steve.