Is this normal?

[Darylb]

Iv had a fish in the but it died because the ammonia spiked

 

[apet66]

Cool, you will see your nitrite get pretty high then your nitrates will gradually start to increase. This step of the cycle takes the longest. Just be patient and you and your fish will be much happier.

 

[apet66]

Iv had a fish in the but it died because the ammonia spiked

That's too bad, sorry you lost one. The fishless method of cycling a tank is the most humane way.

 

[Darylb]

All good mate didn't pay for it I caught it down at the local harbor he was good for a few days then I came out one day he was belly up on the bottom of the tank and his side fins turned pink I think my cycle might be done soon the ammonia is dropping and the nitrates and nitrites are up

 

[Sniperhank]

Just keep that fish in there, it'll do the same as the cocktail shrimp.

 

[Darylb]

I scooped him out when I found him cos I thought it would be bad haha

 

[Sniperhank]

Not a big deal, but you are just trying to provide a stable ammonia source is all.

 

[Darylb]

I'll keep putting flakes in the ammonia is on its way down and nitrates and nitrites are high but I'll get them down soon

 

[Darylb]

Today's levels

 

[apet66]

How's your cycle coming along?

 

[Darylb]

Yea good everything is normal again and I have a shrimp and some snails in there

 

[chenzo9999]

Just watch with too many flakes - they typically add phosphates (can lead to a large algae bloom). A piece of shrimp is usually a cleaner way to go.