Fishless Cycle - Nitrites stuck 1+ for 2.5 Weeks

[chasetexas]

Looking good.

Sure you can add clowns. I would proceed with a water change first.

10 gallons ok?

And now with the lights on we will get into the “ugly phase” shortly?

It sure is pretty right now. Not sure why it’s coming through so dark in the photos, it’s not dark at all

 

[Tahoe61]

Sure.

:)

 

[chasetexas]

As mentioned what are nitrates? I no longer test ammonia or nitrite when cycling. Nothing wrong with testing them I just figure if I'm seeing nitrates I must be processing ammonia.

Do I put the filter socks back in too? Had those out since about week 2 to help with cycling. Didn’t dawn on me until then that some of my good bacteria would be forming on those which I would eventually be cleaning

 

[exnisstech]

You can put the socks in but I wouldn't count on them as a source of bio media since they do have to be cleaned or decomposing food and such can cause nutrients to rise. Many people don't run socks so it's more of a personal preference I think. I run them just to help keep my water a little clearer I'm not strict about cleaning them and often they overflow before I get to them.