[jameshay11]

I've been having trouble decreasing the nitrite levels in my tank.. they're around .50ppm right now and have been for about two weeks. The tank is nearly a month old, i dont know if this is normal or not? I have been usuing the Seachem "Stability" the 8 day treatment and am about half way through it.

Also, the ammonia level has been slightly high at .25ppm for about a week or so. I bought some tetra Ammoniasafe and don't know if it's okay to use that at the same time I'm using stability.

Any suggestions or ideas on how to get my water right would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[rgr4475]

It seems you are still in the process of cycling. It can take upto 6 weeks or even longer in some cases. Are you fishless cycling?

 

[jameshay11]

yeah i'm cycling with no fish in the tank. the filter however was used in a previous tank I heard that was good for the tank to implant a type of bacteria that would get the tank cycling. But would it be smart to use ammoniasafe if im using Seachem Stability?

 

[rgr4475]

It is good to use a filter from an existing tank but you are obviously still cycling. Your ammonia will soon go to 0 and then your nitrites will start to drop to 0. Do not add ammoniasafe, because it's normal to have ammonia in a cycling tank. The only time to use that would be in an established tank with fish with some type of problem causing an ammonia spike where you are worried about fish dying. I've heard it can actually slow the cycling process however, I don't know for sure. I have never used Seachem Stability but not sure at this point in the cycling process if that would help speed the process. I think you just need to be patient. I know it's hard to do!!

Are you continuing to add ammonia daily?

 

[jameshay11]

nope im not adding ammonia daily. I agree, its very difficult to be patient. How often should i be doing water changes at this point. And based on ammonia levels and nitrite levels how far along in the cycle would you say i am.

Thank you for your help!

 

[rgr4475]

Well by not adding ammonia what does your benificial bacteria have to feed on? Hence, you need to keep adding ammonia. This simulates fish waste. When was the last time you added ammonia? Also there isn't any need to do water changes during the cycling process. Some believe this also slows the cycling process. Only after you get readings of 0 for ammonia and nitrite should you do a 50% water change and then you're ready to add fish. Here is the article. http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/f ... ycling.php

 

[dielikemoviestars]

Adding the filter from an established tank has been nullified if it hasn't had food (ammonia) for the past month. You're likely going to have to start fresh. You could, however, get more established filter media and instantly add fish. You'll see a small "mini-cycle," but I've never had it cause any deaths/problems. Actually, I've never even seen it happen in my tanks.

 

[rgr4475]

Adding the filter from an established tank has been nullified if it hasn't had food (ammonia) for the past month. You're likely going to have to start fresh. You could, however, get more established filter media and instantly add fish. You'll see a small "mini-cycle," but I've never had it cause any deaths/problems. Actually, I've never even seen it happen in my tanks.

You would be comfortable adding fish knowing there are ammonia and nitrite readings in the tank?

 

[dielikemoviestars]

Adding the filter from an established tank has been nullified if it hasn't had food (ammonia) for the past month. You're likely going to have to start fresh. You could, however, get more established filter media and instantly add fish. You'll see a small "mini-cycle," but I've never had it cause any deaths/problems. Actually, I've never even seen it happen in my tanks.

You would be comfortable adding fish knowing there are ammonia and nitrite readings in the tank?

No. I'd empty it and start over. Thanks for pointing that out.

 

[GTZ]

Before you do anything, add some ammonia and see if it gets converted.
Calculate ~2ppm for your size tank and see what happens to levels after 24 hours, 48 hours. There could still be bacteria in the tank.

 

[prov356]

There is very likely still good bacteria in the filters. Used filters can go for many weeks feeding the bacteria from the organics in the filters IME. Organic solids are broken down into ammonia by heterotrophic bacteria. That'd be your ammonia source. Of course this assumes the filters didn't get a good and thorough cleaning before adding them to this tank.

I'd still start from the beginning and add the bottled ammonia as GTZ said. Do you have a bottled ammonia source available to you? The answer to that will determine best next steps.

Stop using the AmmoniaSafe. You can continue with the seachem product, no harm in it, although may be no help either.

Don't do water changes right now.

 

[Glaneon]

From my experience using it, Seachem stability adds a fish-safe (it would appear) ammonia type compound.

I started a fishless cycle in my 20L and added SafeStart. Next thing you know I'm sitting at 2ppm Ammonia (per API liquid test; confirmed against existing tanks 0ppm ammonia reading).

I would just use the safestart as your cycling agent. I did this on my 125 and it took 15 days total. I didn't add any more SafeStart than the 7 days listed on the bottle.

It's worked on 3 tanks for me.

 

[jameshay11]

I don't think im going to totally empty the tank out and start over. The filter im using was taken fresh from another tank to ensure that the "good" bacteria would establish the cycle or "speed it up" in the tank. I think the tank is just cycling and near the end of its cycle. I've been testing ammonia levels for a the past week and they're starting to decrease.

I'm gonna keep using Seachem Stability which adds some form of bacteria to the tank, mean while no water changes. I think it should be fine.

If not, what type of ammonia is the right type to add to the tank?

 

[prov356]

If not, what type of ammonia is the right type to add to the tank?

Look for clear ammonia with no dyes, perfumes, or surfactants. I get mine at Walmart, some find it at Ace Hardware.

I think you're right, don't do a tear down, as it'll just put you back to the beginning. Keep testing and it'll show you which direction thingks are going.

 

[jameshay11]

Thanks for the help Tim!

By the way, your 180 project is awesome!! I hope one day I can do something like that. Looks pretty complicated though haha