The Puffer Forum

So what am I doing wrong?
Day 23 of fishless cycling with liquid ammonia. Used Tetra Safestart initially, as no reliable bacteria source. SG is steady at 1.010.
Ammonia reading is 0, although still adding some everyday to keep the cycle going. The nitrite reading is high high high everyday. When I test again, I am always hopeful that it has started to drop, but no. The nitrates are about 15 (always have been).
So why aren't the nitrites starting to convert to nitrates? Is it really just time?
Tank looks lovely, with clean, clear water. The temp is slightly higher than usual with increased oxygen to try & speed the process.
Can anyone reassure me that I still just need to be patient, or is there something I should be doing, something I missed?

If you add Tetra Safestart to treated tap water, that's all you should have to do. I think what's happening is you're adding ammonia which is being eaten up by the safefstart bacteria, thus you're getting the zero reading and just going round and round. I'd quit the ammonia and use a new bottle of Safestart. That is after a large syphoning and water change. In other words, Tetra Safestart is instant- assuming you get the right size bottle.

mrgreen, the SafeStart didn't produce enough bateria to start with.

LilGreenPuffer wrote:mrgreen, the SafeStart didn't produce enough bateria to start with.

Really? Its always worked for me. Actually, I've used a combination of this and used filter media.

OP - Did you try getting some used filter media from your lfs- assuming you trust their tanks are parasite-free?

I'll bet there's something wrong with your nitrite test kit. Try another one or test it at your LFS.

My nitrite is dropping!! I feel a big water change coming on soon & new GSPs maybe at the weekend!!

Wheeeeeee!!!!! I remember that feeling last year when I finished my first fishless cycle. Isn't it GREAT???

LilGreenPuffer wrote:Wheeeeeee!!!!! I remember that feeling last year when I finished my first fishless cycle. Isn't it GREAT???

The best! Can't wait.

Today my nitrite is zero! So it took 26 days to cycle my BW tank, using only Tetra Safestart (no other bacteria available to me).
Big water change tomorrow, adjust temperature, retest & hope to get fish the following day. (The lfs had better still have some - be just my luck that they sold out!!)

Wow that's great! Can't wait to see pix of your new friend.