Dr Tim’s Fishless Cycle, High Ammonia

[Kgramma]

I am in the process of cycling my 32g biocube. I added 2oz of Dr Tim’s One and Only Bacteria and followed the instructions. I dosed to 2ppm and then again as instructed (it was not over 5ppm before dosing). The ammonia bottle said 4 drops per gallon. My ammonia has been in the 4-8ppm range for 5 days and isn’t going down, although I do see a rise in nitrites around 1ppm. Ph is 8-8.2 and temp is 81F. I was thinking of doing a 20% water change, is this a good idea? I’m on day 8 of the cycle. TIA

 

[KrisReef]

If you are using API tests then the cycle seems to be proceeding as well as you can measure so let it run its course without disruption. The ammonia level is not terribly high and the bugs are eating it. Let them finish.

 

[Kgramma]

If you are using API tests then the cycle seems to be proceeding as well as you can measure so let it run its course without disruption. The ammonia level is not terribly high and the bugs are eating it. Let them finish.

Thank you! So the increase in nitrites is a good sign right?

 

[KrisReef]

Thank you! So the increase in nitrites is a good sign right?

The rise is a result of ammonia metabolism by the Dr. TIm's bugs. They are working.

 

[taricha]

My ammonia has been in the 4-8ppm range for 5 days and isn’t going down, although I do see a rise in nitrites around 1ppm.

It is far easier with color tests to detect a rise in Nitrite - NO2 from 0 to a few tenths ppm than detect a drop in ammonia from, say 6 to 5ppm.
all is well, nitrification is occuring.

 

[Kgramma]

20 days after adding the bacteria and the tank is fully cycled. Initially I added too much ammonia which slowed it down a bit but it eventually got there. Saw spike in ammonia, then nitrite, and the nitrates are now 0. Dosed tonight 2ppm ammonia just to verify. Very excited!