General Aquaria Discussion • Cycling a tank

[Cichlid boy]

I started to cycle 3 2.5 gallon tanks on momday last week and was wondering how the process goes. I've never really tested the water as I was cycling my previous tanks I just Waited A month and put fish in. The readings are ammonia .25ppm, nitrites are at 2.5ppm and nitrates are at 15ppm. How long before I can put fish in. I have about 10 hybrid fry in each to help it along. I was going to euthanize them but thought I could use them for this instead. Also I used seeded sponge filters and rocks as well.

[Cichlid boy]

I should also add that that the ammonia was at 1.5ppm on Friday and then 1ppm on Monday.

[DJRansome]

It can take six weeks. Your nitrite will spike higher then decline. When ammonia and nitrite are zero for several days you are cycled. Your nitrates will continue to rise during this period.

[Cichlid boy]

Ok thanks I guess I'll keep on testing

[Cichlid boy]

One more thing, will adding plants to the tank help the process out at all, or will it hurt the plants also? Since the plants use up the ammonia in the water.

Thanks in advance

[Aaron S]

It has been my experience that plants in the tank while cycling will neither help nor hurt in any kind of measurable way, but the plants will love the fertilizer.

[Cichlid boy]

Ok thanks for that Aaron