Edit: UUUUGH! is now a YAY!

[mikeosoft]

If you're getting an ammonia reading then the BBG's are producing waste. I would expect your tank to be cycled by now, but for some reason it isn't. Are you adding a good dechlorinator with your water changes? If not, I suppose chlorine or chloramine could be killing off the bacteria.

Another idea would be to squeeze out a sponge from an already established tank into the new tank. Maybe for some reason the bacteria is having a hard time getting started in the new tank. Adding the gunk from an established filter should solve that problem pretty quickly.

[Agnate]

Yeah, I solved the problem. My HOB filter contained Zeolite (a type of ammonia lock), and the salt was recharging it, so it was completely preventing a cycle. I added an Eheim 2213 canister filter (got it used for $50, wee), so the bacteria will start its growth in that. I only figured out the zeolite issue on Friday-ish (I believe), so I took out my HOB's cartridge, dumped all the media out of it (so it's just the cotton/floss bag thing), then went to the store and picked up a bag of "biomax" which are those white stones that the bacteria grow on. I fill up the cartridge with that, and shoved it into the HOB filter. Now I've removed the zeolite, and my tank is starting that cloudy-white look that you get when the tanks first start to cycle!

Now I just have to wait another couple weeks... *sigh*

[Jase]

My filter has a sponge, then carbon pouch thing, then bio max on top. I do about 20-30% wc weekly and get small Nitrite reading, but no nitrate readings. Supposedly i have no ammonia too(very slight reading before wc) does this sound good or do you think that carbo thing should be removed?

[Agnate]

If you still have the packaging, read it to see if it says ANYTHING about "removing ammonia" or "removing harmful waste/chemicals". If it says this, then you'll probably have to remove it (and it's *likely* in the carbon, but not always). When I was looking for the Biomax stuff, there was one that looked almost identical to it, but it contained Zeolite, which I definitely didn't want. Maybe you grabbed the other stuff accidentally, or something.

However, if you're getting Nitrite readings (which it sounds like you are), it means you've got the bacteria that converts ammonia to nitrite, but not the bacteria that converts nitrite to nitrate. Might want to wait for some more feedback, because I'm still new to some of this.

[Jase]

about the carbon:"provides large amounts of surface area for absorption of undesirable impurities. removes unwanted odors, discoloration, and impurities resulting in crystal clear tank"

section from BioMax: "Use of BioMax insert will provide optimal living space for beneficial bacteria and enhance the removal of ammonia and nitrites resulting in healthy aquarium environment"

...how's that sound?

[Agnate]

Carbon sounds iffy (because I don't know much about it), but the BioMax is right on the money. Maybe try removing the carbon from your filter, and see if you get any noticeable differences in your water parameters. I know my Top Fin carbon contained the zeolite, but it actually stated it, so I'm not sure if others do it as well. As long as you keep the un-rinsed sponge and BioMax in the filter, removing the carbon shouldn't cause a RE-cycle, but if it's nullifying the ammonia, then your tank might start the cycling process.

How long has your tank been running? I'd wait for some other verification, as you don't want to endanger your puffers.

[Jase]

it'd been up about a month (fishless cycling) before I got my GSPs (I've had them 10 days now) they seem happy and healthy. everything seemed to be right in order, I just thought I would be getting more readings than what I am. I mostly want to be sure everything is in order and not get any surprises...

[Agnate]

Well, if you aren't getting Nitrate readings, it means you haven't cycled the tank... also, after seeing those descriptions and checking mine, I'm guessing you use AquaClear stuff, and it works fine, as long as it doesn't have the "ammonia remover" in it (which I don't think yours does).

Just keep an eye on the parameters and report any abnormalities.

[Jase]

Yep, AquaClear was the best deal I could find. I'll keep checking and if anything changes I'll be sure to update.

[Agnate]

Yay! I'm finally getting positives on Nitrite tests! Shouldn't be too much longer before I've got a cycled tank!

[crazedpuffer]

Finally! Congrats!