Could an experienced hobbyist please help me with my fishless cycle.
For the last 4 days my tests indicate that my tank is cycled. Zero ammonia and nitrites after adding 3 or 4 ppm ammonia the day before. The problem is with the nitrates. Looks like the tank is cycled with -0-ammonia and nitrites and I do an almost complete water change due to the nitrates testing at above 80 ppm. This reoccurs each day, and I can’t understand the NITRATE problem and why it keeps coming back.
I use RO water that is re-mineralized with Seachem Equilibrium. Seachem states that “Equilibrium does not contain any nitrogenous pollutants (ammonia, nitrite, or nitrate)”. I have tried to keep the PH up in the alkaline region so as to not stall the cycle.
Tests on my RO water show no nitrates.
Thinking that since my PH drops overnight from alkaline to slightly acidic I test for KH and it is in the range of 50 or more ppm with GH somewhat less than 100 ppm.
Using a 10 gallon tank with a Aquaclear HOB filter. Could there be something in the sponges that is raising nitrates? Will I have to start a new cycle?
For the last 4 days my tests indicate that my tank is cycled. Zero ammonia and nitrites after adding 3 or 4 ppm ammonia the day before. The problem is with the nitrates. Looks like the tank is cycled with -0-ammonia and nitrites and I do an almost complete water change due to the nitrates testing at above 80 ppm. This reoccurs each day, and I can’t understand the NITRATE problem and why it keeps coming back.
I use RO water that is re-mineralized with Seachem Equilibrium. Seachem states that “Equilibrium does not contain any nitrogenous pollutants (ammonia, nitrite, or nitrate)”. I have tried to keep the PH up in the alkaline region so as to not stall the cycle.
Tests on my RO water show no nitrates.
Thinking that since my PH drops overnight from alkaline to slightly acidic I test for KH and it is in the range of 50 or more ppm with GH somewhat less than 100 ppm.
Using a 10 gallon tank with a Aquaclear HOB filter. Could there be something in the sponges that is raising nitrates? Will I have to start a new cycle?