Dr. Tim’s Fishless Cycle

[jweiner]

I started Dr. Tim’s fishless cycle one week ago with 4ppm ammonia and a small bottle of Dr. Tim’s bacteria (I have an IM 15 AIO cube). The bottle said it treats up to 30 gallons. Now, one week later, I still have 4ppm ammonia, 0 nitrites, and 0 nitrates. The pH has been stable at 8.2. The temp has been stable at 77F and I’ve kept the light off. Dr. Tim’s protocol suggests that I should be ready for fish soon. Is this normal that it’s taking this long to see any progress?

 

[Fish Fan]

This is very normal. A fish-less cycle with ammonia and Dr. Tim's One and Only typically takes about 3-4 weeks to complete, despite what it says on the bottle Just give it some more time.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Fritz turbo start is far faster. Maybe go that route if you want to speed things.

 

[jweiner]

Fritz turbo start is far faster. Maybe go that route if you want to speed things.

Interesting. I assumed that they both had pretty much the same bacteria in them.

 

[NanoSteam]

Yup Fritz turbo start 900 is almost instantaneous.

With Dr Times it was around day 16 for me when ammonia finally hit 0. My experience did not line up with Dr Tims "schedule".

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Interesting. I assumed that they both had pretty much the same bacteria in them.

No, they respond very differently.