Ammonia not going down durning Dr. Tims fishless cycle

[katiemcguan]

I set up my first saltwater tank about a week ago its a 30gallon and decided to use Dr. Tims one and only nitrifying bacteria, first defense and ammonia. Day 1 I added the first defense and the whole bottle of the nitrifying bacteria then waited 30 minutes before adding the ammonia like the bottle says. I put the right amount of ammonia drops & the next day my ammonia levels were at 8ppm and nitrites were at 0 and now im on day 5 and levels ares till the same. I can't figure out how to lower the levels of ammonia since the bacteria is obviously not working.

 

[Alexreefer]

hmmmm ... questions? What brand test kit are you using? Maybe a chance you got a faulty bottle but I've never heard of that. Hopefully, someone knows what's going on or have experienced this before and could shed some light

 

[katiemcguan]

hmmmm ... questions? What brand test kit are you using? Maybe a chance you got a faulty bottle but I've never heard of that. Hopefully, someone knows what's going on or have experienced this before and could shed some light

I'm using the API saltwater testing kit. & yes I'm hoping so!

 

[Alexreefer]

#reefsquad? ideas

 

[TrevorL]

Api is notorious for bad readings I use it right now but am looking to switch. My water looked like it had jumped a lot in nitrate but got my water tested at a lfs and it was perfectly fine. My ammonia shows 0 on api or just a little above it. You’re only about a week into your cycle some cycles can take up to 3 or 4 weeks.

 

[Jedi1199]

First, API test kits are garbage. I think most people use them cause they are inexpensive and readily available. I recommend getting a better testing kit (there are lots of suggestions here on the forum).

Second, your tank is barely a week old. I wouldn't even begin to worry yet. The cycle is happening even if you don't see it. Keep doing what you are doing, you will start seeing the results you are expecting soon enough.

 

[jorwill]

I would do a huge water change to get that 8ppm down to around 2ishppm. 8ppm slows down the cycling quite a bit.

 

[Idoc]

Yes, maybe a 50-75% water change just to lower the ammonia a bit. I've heard of cycle stalls occuring with over 5ppm ammonia, but haven't experienced it myself. Even with that water change, your ammonia should be around 2-4 ppm and acceptable. If you don't start seeing nitrate production after about 10 days, then I would suspect there was something wrong with the nitrifying bacteria bottle...and maybe add some BioSpira, or another type of bacteria.