Cycling question

KingMare · 04/15/2016, 12:04 PM

Hello I started a fishless cycle 3 weeks ago, Using pure ammonia and Dr. Tim's one and only nitrifying bacteria. My ammonia is about 4ppms after dosing my tank as directed. my nitrites is about 1ppm and my nitrates are about 10ppms.
My Ammonia hasn't dropped at all. I know my tank is cycling but shouldn't my ammonia levels be dropping as my nitrates goes up??

Cymonous · 04/15/2016, 12:25 PM

Kinda depends on size of tank, how much rock and sand you have too. Your cycle could take up to 6 weeks. Since you have Nitrites and Nitrates, your ammonia is slowly being converted. Just give it more time. Don't change anything. Just add fresh water to cover evaporation.

KingMare · 04/15/2016, 12:43 PM

its 60 gallons and I have about 100 pounds of live and base rock and 60 pounds of sand

Happyschneider · 04/15/2016, 12:49 PM

Your nitrate readings will not be true as long as there is nitrite around. Not sure why your nitrite go up when ammonia stays though. Measure again tomorrow and see if there is still nothing moving.

Just checking, I assume you do not keep adding ammonia, correct?

KingMare · 04/15/2016, 12:51 PM

I haven't added ammonia in 2 days its about the same 4ppms. my nitrites just appeared recently along with nitrates.

Sully72 · 04/18/2016, 07:25 AM

It takes time but everything will fall in line.

fernalfer · 04/28/2016, 02:04 PM

I just added bacteria. Does it smell? Because after putting it in the house smells now. When does it go away?

04/15/2016, 12:04 PM	#1
KingMare Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Posts: 8	Cycling question Hello I started a fishless cycle 3 weeks ago, Using pure ammonia and Dr. Tim's one and only nitrifying bacteria. My ammonia is about 4ppms after dosing my tank as directed. my nitrites is about 1ppm and my nitrates are about 10ppms. My Ammonia hasn't dropped at all. I know my tank is cycling but shouldn't my ammonia levels be dropping as my nitrates goes up??

04/15/2016, 12:25 PM	#2
Cymonous My Clown Attacks Me Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Akron, OH Posts: 2,105	Kinda depends on size of tank, how much rock and sand you have too. Your cycle could take up to 6 weeks. Since you have Nitrites and Nitrates, your ammonia is slowly being converted. Just give it more time. Don't change anything. Just add fresh water to cover evaporation. __________________ 100 Gallon Long with 20L sump 10 Gallon Office Tank Current Tank Info: 2 False Percula Clowns, One Spot Foxface, Diamond Watchman Goby, Yellow Tail Damsel, Engineer Goby

04/15/2016, 12:49 PM	#4
Happyschneider Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Basel, Switzerland Posts: 350	Your nitrate readings will not be true as long as there is nitrite around. Not sure why your nitrite go up when ammonia stays though. Measure again tomorrow and see if there is still nothing moving. Just checking, I assume you do not keep adding ammonia, correct? __________________ My build thread: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2517452 180 liter, sumpless reef, no skimmer for the moment. Current Tank Info: Juwel VISION 180, currently only invertebrates, planning to have low bioload as I have no skimmer and no refugium for the moment.

04/15/2016, 12:43 PM	#3
KingMare Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Posts: 8	its 60 gallons and I have about 100 pounds of live and base rock and 60 pounds of sand

04/15/2016, 12:51 PM	#5
KingMare Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Posts: 8	I haven't added ammonia in 2 days its about the same 4ppms. my nitrites just appeared recently along with nitrates.

04/18/2016, 07:25 AM	#6
Sully72 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Posts: 43	It takes time but everything will fall in line.

04/28/2016, 02:04 PM	#7
fernalfer Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 553	I just added bacteria. Does it smell? Because after putting it in the house smells now. When does it go away?