Next steps for fishless cycle?

[tcwoodrn]

I’m getting back in and learning the new ways of things after 8+ years out.
I did the original dose of Dr Tim’s and it sent my nitrites through the roof at 5+ every measure. I’ve only ever dosed the original dose of ammonia. Yesterday I did a 40% WC. Today (day 12 after initial ammonia dose) my ammonia and nitrites are 0, nitrates 10ish.
What’s the next step? Add some fish? Do a small ammonia dose?

Here’s my tracker of Dr Tim’s process:


Day 2

Ph 8.2

Ammonia 2+

Nitrite 0.5



Day 5

Ph 8.2

Ammonia 1.2-2

Nitrites >1

Scarce nitrate



Day6

Ph 8.2

Ammonia 0.8

Nitrites >5

Nitrate 20-40



Day7

Ph 8.2

Ammonia 0.25

Nitrites >5



Day8

Ph 8.2

Ammonia 0

Nitrites >5

Nitrates 40



Day 11 40% WC



Day 12

Ammonia 0

Nitrites 0

Nitrates 10

 

[Uncle99]

Add one or two fish.
You can do this slowly to let your newly cycled bio filter, catch up each time.

 

[Garf]

I’m getting back in and learning the new ways of things after 8+ years out.
I did the original dose of Dr Tim’s and it sent my nitrites through the roof at 5+ every measure. I’ve only ever dosed the original dose of ammonia. Yesterday I did a 40% WC. Today (day 12 after initial ammonia dose) my ammonia and nitrites are 0, nitrates 10ish.
What’s the next step? Add some fish? Do a small ammonia dose?

Here’s my tracker of Dr Tim’s process:


Day 2

Ph 8.2

Ammonia 2+

Nitrite 0.5



Day 5

Ph 8.2

Ammonia 1.2-2

Nitrites >1

Scarce nitrate



Day6

Ph 8.2

Ammonia 0.8

Nitrites >5

Nitrate 20-40



Day7

Ph 8.2

Ammonia 0.25

Nitrites >5



Day8

Ph 8.2

Ammonia 0

Nitrites >5

Nitrates 40



Day 11 40% WC



Day 12

Ammonia 0

Nitrites 0

Nitrates 10

Welcome back, as above

 

[dstockwell]

Welcome back

 

[Spare time]

As stated above, you are good to go with a new fish


PS If you can get a pre-qt'd fish, do that

 

[Rick's Reviews]

If you have time to keep it fishless, use this time to allow beneficial bacteria to grow.
I cycled my 45g 200litres for 8 months (fishless), one thing reef2reef taught me nearly 2 years in... Patience, also it's your aquarium. if you want to add life that's entirely your choice