To water change or not?

[pelphrey]

There is where I stand with my cycle. Should I continue to add ammonia to the tank or will that prolong the cycling process? I started the cycle on October 25th. I used Dr Tims ammonia to start the cycle. In the past when I cycled my freshwater tanks I would do water changes to get the nitrites in check. Any input is appreciated!

For more detailed information on the cycle and the build you can view my build thread -
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/27-gallon-cube.207744/

 

[twilliard]

Looks like it is going smoothly.
I would hold off on Amonia and see where the no3 stands

 

[brandon429]

youll think this may sound funny



just saw the rock, all base rock no calcification. It would take ammonia at a high level to stop or slow the cycle by killing bacteria, a pretty high level which we aren't at. so to know the specifics of your dry rock cycle, we need to know how long it takes the tank to get back to zero ammonia if the free ammonia is raised to 4 ppm or so in the tank, the nitrite isn't very important currently, its that digestion amnt within 24 hrs that helps to give a specific about the cycle.

 

[pelphrey]

Marco dry rock. Some of the rock will come out once the cycle is complete.

 

[pelphrey]

Haven't added any ammonia to the tank and my nitrites are still sky high!

Would anyone recommend doing a water change, if so what percentage?

 

[twilliard]

It is still going through the process.
You can change water but eventually it will balance itself.

 

[pelphrey]

It is still going through the process.
You can change water but eventually it will balance itself.

I did a water change yesterday. Cycle has been going strong for 2 months now. Coming from freshwater I believe my mistake was ammonia. I used dr tims ammonia as I always have on my freshwater tanks, but I'm pretty sure I used too much. And when I should have stopped adding ammonia I added more. Light has been off during the cycle so I didn't notice until yesterday, but I am getting some algae so I think I am making some progress. It is been rather difficult waiting for this tank to balance out as its in a prime location in the house and it has NOTHING in it yet! But it will be worth it. Unfortunately I'll either have to make a road trip or buy all of my livestock online.

 

[pelphrey]

I did another large water change on the tank this past Friday and a smaller one today. The nitrites are now at a very low level and nitrates are nearly gone. I plan to dose some ammonia tomorrow. I fear I may have to restart the entire process. Any input is greatly appreciated!

 

[twilliard]

If your still showing nitrites then its still kicking!

 

[pelphrey]

Thanks! Should I hold off on adding ammonia?

 

[rockskimmerflow]

I think you are worrying way to much about the biological processes during the cycle. They are currently working. You have ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate - this means the bacteria are all there and doing their thing. Stop adding ammonia and let them stabilize. I would begin feeding the tank a very small amount of fish food every other day. This will keep the bacteria fed while letting everything balance. Once you only get a nitrate measurement and no more ammonia or nitrite you're ready for a water change then livestock. Your biological systems are definitely working! Just give them a chance to sort things out on their own now that they are kickstarted. Best of luck with your setup!