Cycling

[Rmorrison23]

On day 3 of fishless cycle with brightwell fishless cycle kit. Still have ammonia and no nitrite...any thoughts? Am I being to anxious?

 

[Philly Reefer]

Be patient. Still long way to go.

 

[Rmorrison23]

Be patient. Still long way to go.

I know its gonna take awhile but instuctions say bacteria could start consuming ammonia quickly and might not show on test so was just curious what other more experienced ppl think

 

[Rmorrison23]

Also wondering if temperature during shipping affected the bacteria

 

[Philly Reefer]

You still detecting ammonia. So thats good.
I am not aware of the brightwell stuff but as long it wasnt super hot, that bottle should be ok.

 

[aslmx]

I had nitrites after 5 days. It’s been 2 weeks and I have no ammonia but plenty of nitrites and a little dusty brown algae. It’s taking longer than I thought. I don’t mind waiting but my wife is a different story.

 

[lapin]

It can take a while. I would not worry.
What was ammonia level at thew start and what is it now?
What test kit are you using?

https://www.marinedepot.com/microbacter-dry-rock-bacteria-starter-kit-brightwell-aquatics

 

[Rmorrison23]

It can take a while. I would not worry.
What was ammonia level at thew start and what is it now?
What test kit are you using?

https://www.marinedepot.com/microbacter-dry-rock-bacteria-starter-kit-brightwell-aquatics

Instructions told me to put it at 2ppm...still at 2ppm
Using api(i know i know, not the best haha)

 

[K7BMG]

For cycling API test kits are just fine they get a bad rap because there not super accurate but for cycling there's no reason not to use them You are in a rush 14 to 21 days is an average for a full tank cycle

 

[Rmorrison23]

Haha ok thanks everyone

 

[K7BMG]

I had nitrites after 5 days. It’s been 2 weeks and I have no ammonia but plenty of nitrites and a little dusty brown algae. It’s taking longer than I thought. I don’t mind waiting but my wife is a different story.

Is you are seeing a light Brown algae the cycle is probably completed So you need to test for nitrate.

 

[K7BMG]

Haha ok thanks everyone

And please whatever you do just let nature take its course follow the directions explicitly do not alter anything

 

[Rmorrison23]

And please whatever you do just let nature take its course follow the directions explicitly do not alter anything

I dont plan to, i want to do this the right way

 

[aslmx]

Is you are seeing a light Brown algae the cycle is probably completed So you need to test for nitrate.

I haven’t tested for nitrates yet. I didn’t think it was safe until nitrites are 0. Is this correct or can I do a water change and start adding livestock?

 

[dbowman5]

what is in your tank? what equipment is running? how big is your tank? what temperature is it? have you checked nitrates?
if you have a bunch of rock that is helpful to give the bacteria someplace to live, if there is good flow that helps the bacteria find the ammonia if the temperature is toward 80 degrees as opposed to 75 the bacteria grows faster if the nitrite eating bacteria has outpaced the ammonia eating it is possible to miss the nitrite bump. having said all that, i think it is just building the bacteria colony and noticeable changes will start soon

 

[K7BMG]

I haven’t tested for nitrates yet. I didn’t think it was safe until nitrites are 0. Is this correct or can I do a water change and start adding livestock?

What was your peak ammonia?

 

[aslmx]

What was your peak ammonia?

I don’t remember I just went by the colors. I believe it was at what they suggested at 2 ppm

 

[Rmorrison23]

what is in your tank? what equipment is running? how big is your tank? what temperature is it? have you checked nitrates?
if you have a bunch of rock that is helpful to give the bacteria someplace to live, if there is good flow that helps the bacteria find the ammonia if the temperature is toward 80 degrees as opposed to 75 the bacteria grows faster if the nitrite eating bacteria has outpaced the ammonia eating it is possible to miss the nitrite bump. having said all that, i think it is just building the bacteria colony and noticeable changes will start soon

Waterbox 220.6, marco rock scape with dry sand 78 degrees, skimmer off and socks out...some rubble down in sump as well

 

[Rmorrison23]

Heres a pic

 

[K7BMG]

I don’t remember I just went by the colors. I believe it was at what they suggested at 2 ppm

Ok well.

Heres a pic

Very nice and very blue lol