[ChrissyCPDT]

My tank has been cycling for about a month. A few days ago the ammonia went down to 0. The nitrates and nitrites are off the charts right now....so we're well on our way.

Problem... the chlorine is testing at a 2 today. Yesterday it was at a 1, and .5 the day before that. I was using Prime to dechlorinate initially but when i started to see the chlorine registering on the test, I returned it and switched to Stress Coat. I've added the appropriate amount of stress coat and the chlorine is still registering on the test. I'm baffled. What could cause this? For the first 3 and a half weeks it was at 0 everyday.

The only things that are different:
-- I've added a canister filter so i currently have the HOB and canister running at the same time
--Media in it includes, bio wheels, carbon, prefilter rings. I also put 2 of the old filters from the HOB on top of the bio wheels

-- I added aquarium salt. (followed directions, of course)

I have been cycling with Rosy Red Minnows and Feeder guppies. There were about 150 feeder guppies, but all started dying immediately when the chlorine level rose. I'm surprised they lasted as long as they did considering how high the ammonia was for a while there...but they made it through that and continued breeding, eating...etc...

Any explanations on how this is possible? Suggestions on what to do? I've tried adding more stress coat...doesn't seem to be helping...

 

[remarkosmoc]

are you topping off the water or doing changes? I don't know of any normal sources of chlorine other than the tap. I"ve never even tested for it, I either age water 48 hours or used a treatment. Wherever your source it it has to be recent, chlorine will bubble out after 48 hours.

 

[under_control]

Prime is far better than stress coat. Stress coat is junk. In which rivers and lakes do you see aloe vera floating around?

My guess is your test is faulty, not the dechlor. I have never, once in my life tested for chlorine. Your bio-filter would be shot if there really was chlorine.

 

[kingpoiuy]

I'm so glad I have well water!

If i were you I would setup a large tub under the tank where you could put water and let it sit for 2 days. Have a pump in there so you can do your water changes semi-automatically.

 

[CICHLUDED]

I'm so glad I have well water!

If i were you I would setup a large tub under the tank where you could put water and let it sit for 2 days. Have a pump in there so you can do your water changes semi-automatically.

There is no need to let water sit if you have a good dechlor. like Prime

ChrissyCPDT: If you do big water changes, add enough dechlor for the whole tank. Not for just the amount of water you added…

.

 

[kingpoiuy]

There is no need to let water sit if you have a good dechlor. like Prime

I agree there is no need. But having a setup like I mentioned would be nice and would eliminate having to use and buy chemicals.

Just a thought.

 

[under_control]

Unless chloramines are present, as they prevent the gas from escaping. Chloramines are present in most municipal water systems now.

 

[dkreef]

guys i just started my fishless cycle and had question regarding prime:

when i added my tap water yesterday, i added Seachem prime to dechlorinate then added ammonia and today it was reading 4ppm.

but here it says:
"SeaChem Prime™ removes chlorine, chloramine and ammonia. Prime™ converts ammonia into a safe, non-toxic form that is readily removed by the tank’s biofilter. Prime™ may be used during tank cycling to alleviate ammonia/nitrite toxicity. Prime™ detoxifies nitrite and nitrate, allowing the biofilter to more efficiently remove them.

will this affect my cycle?