New 22G custom nano reef stuck cycle

[ENDUexe]

I went through the exact same experience as you and like others have said, it’s time.

I suspect the dragging is, in part, caused by using fish food pellets over a more potent ammonia source. I waited nearly 3 weeks for the pellets to start to decay and only then did I see measurable ammonia. 2 weeks after that it’s started to decline and then within a day or two, it plummeted.

Special blend does nothing for cycling as it doesn’t contain nitrifying bacteria. Microbelifts starter product is called nite out. I do believe there are still other benefits to using it as you are adding other bacteria to your system, just not the nitrifying kinds.

 

[ENDUexe]

Oh and very cool system. I'll definitely be following along!

 

[EranL]

I went through the exact same experience as you and like others have said, it’s time.

I suspect the dragging is, in part, caused by using fish food pellets over a more potent ammonia source. I waited nearly 3 weeks for the pellets to start to decay and only then did I see measurable ammonia. 2 weeks after that it’s started to decline and then within a day or two, it plummeted.

Special blend does nothing for cycling as it doesn’t contain nitrifying bacteria. Microbelifts starter product is called nite out. I do believe there are still other benefits to using it as you are adding other bacteria to your system, just not the nitrifying kinds.

I've read it does contain some nitrifying bacteria, isn't it? I know tho it isn't starter bacteria, added it trying to help the system stabilize.

 

[Boxed Fish]

Added today 21ml of Special Blend trying to boost the bacteria after some suggestions.

Special Blend is for organics break down and to aid bacteria in DOC treatment. if choosing microblift brand you would want to get the starter bacteria NIGHT OUTII . But I stand by the larger bottle to the left. I was a true fan of night out ii for years until I gave the imagitarium a try. 24 hr cycle cant beat it

 

[EranL]

Still ammonia on 1.2, no change. Will be checking next time on sunday.

 

[Fish Fan]

Still ammonia on 1.2, no change. Will be checking next time on sunday.

I'm sure you're fine, but out of curiosity what are you using for an ammonia test kit?

 

[EranL]

Red sea marine kit

 

[EranL]

Still same result... when shall I start being worried? It looked at the start of the test more promising then past times but still ended up same color.

 

[ENDUexe]

Still nothing to worry about.

Test your alk and if it's very low, consider dosing it up with baking soda. My alk dropped during the cycle to the mid 5's and after bringing it back up, things definitely seemed to accelerate.

Silly question but you haven't used tap water for anything right?

 

[EranL]

Still nothing to worry about.

Test your alk and if it's very low, consider dosing it up with baking soda. My alk dropped during the cycle to the mid 5's and after bringing it back up, things definitely seemed to accelerate.

Silly question but you haven't used tap water for anything right?

Only RODI water.

 

[ENDUexe]

Well that rules out chloramine possibly killing bacterial growth so all good.

 

[Fish Fan]

Still same result... when shall I start being worried? It looked at the start of the test more promising then past times but still ended up same color.

What's the total timeframe from when you first dosed ammonia to today? Again, a cycle like this can take three weeks before you see the ammonia really declining.

 

[EranL]

What's the total timeframe from when you first dosed ammonia to today? Again, a cycle like this can take three weeks before you see the ammonia really declining.

Ammonia was at 0.4-0.8 for 2 weeks, then I pushed it up to 2-3ppm in 28/10.

 

[Fish Fan]

Ammonia was at 0.4-0.8 for 2 weeks, then I pushed it up to 2-3ppm in 28/10.

My take on this is that maybe there wasn't enough ammonia at first to really kickstart things, so your working more or less from that 28/10 date.

I know this can be frustrating and concerning; we see posts like this all the time. But a cycle is a biological process and you'd really have to try very hard to get it to "stall". I believe you'll a real reduction of ammonia very soon, at which time you'll be good to start adding some livestock

One last thought, you're not continually adding the ammonia, correct? I know some of Dr. Tim's (for example) directions tell people to add ammonia daily to maintain the level, and that results in a longer than necessary cycle, with wicked high nitrate in the end.

 

[EranL]

But how could it be that I've put starter bacteria that should treat 200L 5 weeks ago and still the bacteria isn't working.

 

[EranL]

My take on this is that maybe there wasn't enough ammonia at first to really kickstart things, so your working more or less from that 28/10 date.

I know this can be frustrating and concerning; we see posts like this all the time. But a cycle is a biological process and you'd really have to try very hard to get it to "stall". I believe you'll a real reduction of ammonia very soon, at which time you'll be good to start adding some livestock

One last thought, you're not continually adding the ammonia, correct? I know some of Dr. Tim's (for example) directions tell people to add ammonia daily to maintain the level, and that results in a longer than necessary cycle, with wicked high nitrate in the end.

I haven't added ammonia since getting it to the peak.

 

[ENDUexe]

But how could it be that I've put starter bacteria that should treat 200L 5 weeks ago and still the bacteria isn't working.

Give this a look over. https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/n...what-do-they-need.989780/page-4#post-11575229

Even with a bacterial starter, cycling can take time. You've done what you need to seed the tank and provide food for the bacteria, just give it a bit more time.

 

[Fish Fan]

But how could it be that I've put starter bacteria that should treat 200L 5 weeks ago and still the bacteria isn't working.

Are you reading anything for nitrite yet?

5 weeks is indeed a long time, but I don't think the ammonia was high enough at first to really get the bacteria going. I think you're working more from that date of 28/10, and that's just a little over two weeks. A cycle like this can tank 3 or 4 weeks is not unheard of, even if the people at Dr. Tim's claim otherwise

There is maybe a chance that your bottle of bacteria was a dud, but even if you add nothing the bacteria find a way in and multiply. Technically, they could be introduced by dust in the air; they are literally everywhere.

If you are feeling impatient, you could add some Fritz Turbostart 900. That product (and that product alone) is known to work very fast, it should clear your ammonia in a couple of days. But, the product is refrigerated and usually you need to order it, and I think by the time it got to you the cycle would be progressing on its own.

 

[Fish Fan]

Give this a look over. https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/n...what-do-they-need.989780/page-4#post-11575229

Even with a bacterial starter, cycling can take time. You've done what you need to seed the tank and provide food for the bacteria, just give it a bit more time.

This is a solid thread from a solid reefer who did a lot of testing on these products.

 

[EranL]

As for yesterday ammonia result with no change(1.2-2), I do see some change in nitrite - from 0-0.05 to 0.1