Dr Tim's cycling advice

[PJGoblin]

Hi
I did a fish cycle using dr Tim's with a small pair of cloclowns, ammonia spiked at 1.5ppm now 0 has been for some time. Nitrites as expected peaked and has stayed at 4ppm (2nd week) nitrates sky high 130ppm same for 2 weeks with no change. I have taken the fish out as unable to stabilize and reduce nitrates. Should I do a water change to reduce nitrates. Unsure how to continue the cycle without starting again.

[Nick_Northern]

I think I read that the presence of nitrite throws off nitrate test kits so it may not be anywhere near as high as you think, worth looking into though . Re fish 1.5ppm is a high amount of ammonia to subject your fish too, personally I really dont rate any of the bacterial products except if doing a fishless cycle, I have used dr tims and colony to setup qt tanks in emergencys and have had ammonia spikes with both. Assuming you are not medicating with anything it always helps to have a bottle of prime on hand, this detoxifies the ammonia for 24-48hrs but will not mess with your cycle

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[PJGoblin]

Ammonia readings are 0 and will reducing the nitrates with water changes help the cycling process..?

[PJGoblin]

Anyone....������

[mcgyvr]

Dr tims what?... numerous products with different functions

[PJGoblin]

One and only live nitrifying bacteria

[mcgyvr]

I personally would recommend a water change (very large or multiples) as I would never allow nitrates to ever get that high even during cycling.. It just makes for more work getting it down later..

Guess you either didn't follow directions or it just didn't work as advertised As when using bacteria in a bottle products per directions I'd expect little to no cycle..

[PJGoblin]

Cheers mc
So am I correct in thinking if I do a 75% water change and consecutive small on to lower nitrates this will allow the cycle to continue and finish..?
Will I need to dose ammonia as I've remove the clowns..?

[mcgyvr]

I'd probably do a 50% change then give it a bit of time and see how the levels go from there..
You just need to be patient really..
Nothing good happens fast in this hobby..

[Nick_Northern]

large wc couldn't hurt

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[PJGoblin]

Looks like a water change first thing, Dose any ammonia as clowns removed.?

[mcgyvr]

Do NOT dose more ammonia or anything for that matter..

[PJGoblin]

Ok sorted, just done a large water change 75% its brought nitrates down to 70ppm. So now I wait for nitrites now to go down to 0ppm correct.? If nitrates start to rise again should I still do water changes to control it..?

[mcgyvr]

Just wait now and see how it goes..
I'd expect nitrates will still rise too..
Just give it time..

How large is the tank btw?

[PJGoblin]

Is a bare bottom 10g qt tank with 2 large pieces of caribsea dry rock.

[Nick_Northern]

As I mentioned in my previous post I'm pretty sure high nitrites can confuse nitrate test kits so I would wait until your nitrites come down then test nitrate, you might find you had an elevated false reading

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[PJGoblin]

Will do many thanks guys much appreciated, now dought will be bashing for help in the near future...��As a noob much to learn much to see, time to be patient.....cheers