I cured my dry rocks in two 5 gallon bucket took about a month i put it in my the rocks in my tank two days ago yesterday i put 10 ml of ammonia i did the test today i think ammonia is over 8 ppm and nitrites is at 0.50 do the tank have to cycle to? Tank is a 28 jbj tank
Cycle the tank
- Thread starter kd5o4
- Start date
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Nitrifying bacteria colonize sand, filtration mediums and rocks. The bacteria population on the rock may not be large enough yet to complete the nitrogen cycle as quickly. You can add some bacteria in the bottle to assist in speeding things up a tad. You could also add a cocktail shrimp to decay and promote the growth of the beneficial bacteria.
Dragonreef202
Well-Known Member
I have used bio-spira but I didn't add any fishes other than a damsel and some hermits when I first set up my tank. After a month I think you're cycle is still cycling. Until you get life in your tank you won't be able to tell how far your tank has cycled
Zoaeasy
Active Member
I have no experience with Biospira but have cycled 5 tanks with Dr Tims and its bullet proof if you follow the fish less cycle instructions on the website. I am currently curing and cycling Rock for a 60 cube. I miscalculated my Amonium chloride dose due to a faulty test kit and dosed to 8 ppm . In 24 hrs down to 2 ppm and will likely have to dose agin tomorrow. Testing the Amonia Nitrate and Nitrite will tell you when your tank is ready.
Brew12
Electrical Gru
Well, they aren't exactly the same but they are very similar. Dr Tim developed both of them. I use Biospira regularly to instantly cycle my QT and love it.
Brew12
Electrical Gru
You may have added too much ammonia. High levels of ammonia can actually kill the bacteria you need to convert it. At the very least, ammonia that high will hinder it's ability to reproduce. You should always try to keep your ammonia below 5ppm when cycling your tank.
Brew12
Electrical Gru
I did a 50% water change and did the test again this is what I got
Wow! Your tank is trying to cycle, but it just has too much ammonia!!! Your bacteria is working though or you wouldn't have those nitrites and nitrates. Just please don't add any more ammonia!!!!!
Brew12
Electrical Gru
If it were me, I would do another water change although you definitely don't have to yet. You will need to do some serious water changes to get those nitrates down when your tank is done cycling. Up to you if you want to start now.
Brew12
Electrical Gru
Wouldn't be a bad idea. Did you have your rocks curing in salt water?
Brew12
Electrical Gru
Any chance you checked your ammonia before adding it to your tank? If you don't use bleach to dissolve the organics when you cure it, it can make for a lengthy cycle as all the dried organics deep in the rock keep breaking down.
