No nitrites?

[Ekiel]

Hey, a fairly newbish question, but this is the first time I've ever actively attempted to cycle a tank. I've just hit the end of two weeks, and all this time, I have never gotten a nitrite reading. The ammonia levels keep going down steadily, I think I'm getting 4ppm down to 0 in about 2 days so far, and nitrate is anywhere from 80-160ppm. I've been testing the nitrite almost daily, and it's always been the same baby blue color. Is this normal/acceptable? I started the cycle with a little "up to 15 gallon" TSS bottle, and had no seeded media. I just want to make sure I don't get my little f8 home and find out that something's gone wrong.

[J-P]

try taking the test about 12 hours after you add the ammonia.

[Pufferpunk]

If done correctly, you should be able to cycle with ammonia in 7-10 days. Are you following the directions in the cycling article, exactly?

[Ekiel]

If done correctly, you should be able to cycle with ammonia in 7-10 days. Are you following the directions in the cycling article, exactly?

For the most part, yeah. Midway I OD'd on ammonia and had to do a 50% water change to bring it back down, but I don't see how that would interrupt the cycle. That, and I accidentally left the bottle in the sun for about 2 hours, so I'm frankly amazed it's gotten this far.

[Terrance]

You'll finish the cycle soon. What is your ammonia source?

[Ekiel]

Best Yet Clear Ammonia. I assume that means the apparent complete lack of nitrites is irrelevent?

[Terrance]

Maybe you got a bunch of nitrIte-to-nitrAte bacteria, so you never see it. Its good to see the nitrAte levels has already risen, so you are heading in the right direction. Sometimes its hard to tell if the nitrAtes are still rising or not with API test kit (anything past 20ppm is hard to accurately read). Do a 100% water change and dose with ammonia again. You'll definitely tell if the ammonia converts into nitrAte within 12-24hrs.

I've never seen Clear Ammonia before, but it probably does not bubble upon shaking since you're using it.

[RTR]

If your inoculum was good and your ammonia dosing conservative, it sounds like you had a good cycle. The large water change suggested above and followed by a final ammonia challenge to be sure is a good idea to confirm fully mature bacteria of both types.

[Ekiel]

An update for those who may care:

I did about a 95%(?) water change, as I was too rushed to siphon out the last inch or so of water. Refilled and dosed around 4ppm. 22 hours later, (I had to leave for work) I tested and got 1ppm ammonia, 0ppm nitrite, and anywhere from 20-40ppm nitrate. 8 hours after that, I got .5ppm ammonia, and 0ppm nitrite.

Do you think it'll be done in time for me to have the LFS order my fish for Tuesday?

[Terrance]

If you're dying and can't wait to get THE PERFECT figure 8 before its gone, then go ahead and get one. Do a 100% water change and test water parameters every day. Change the water if you have any ammonia or nitrItes.

Best thing to do is keep waiting for another week or two to develop more beneficial bacteria.

[Pufferpunk]

I'd cut that ammonia in 1/2 & keep adding it until you are ready for the fish. Then do an 80% WC & add the fella.

[FADE2BLACK_1973]

Seachem Prime with help detoxify that ammonia while it still cycles.