Started cycling tank

[Trooper182]

So over the weekend I got the tank setup. Sunday I added the water and a bottle of instant ocean bio-spira. Started testing the water on Monday and today and setup my chart on the computer. So far these are my results. I will test again on Thursday to see where I'm at. The water is looking clear and nice.

 

[Jekyl]

Did you add any form of ammonia?

 

[vetteguy53081]

So over the weekend I got the tank setup. Sunday I added the water and a bottle of instant ocean bio-spira. Started testing the water on Monday and today and setup my chart on the computer. So far these are my results. I will test again on Thursday to see where I'm at. The water is looking clear and nice.

While ammonia not necessary, ammonia chloride gives you something to work with. Numbers will go up and down for about two weeks. With denitrifying bacteria, as long as its working, you will see ammomia falling. When ammonia is steady at or near zero and nitrate steady at 20 or below, you are through your cycle.
Assure you are monitoring with a reliable test lit and not getting false readings.

 

[Rick's Reviews]

I agree and disagree with above.
You need ammonia to start bacteria off, give them something to eat to return nitrates and nitrites to start cycle,

 

[Trooper182]

Did you add any form of ammonia?

I didn't. I know some say you still should when using bio-Spira or quick cycle and some say you don't have to. The lfs said it wasn't necessary so rolled with it.

 

[Jekyl]

I agree and disagree with above.
You need ammonia to start bacteria off, give them something to eat to return nitrates and nitrites to start cycle,

The bottled bacteria does that. Adding ammonia will just allow you to see the rate at which it's being converted. You don't have to add ammonia at all.