Need help on cycle

[rubbersandal]

I think theres something wrong with my cycle, ammonia level is not dropping need help.

Tank: 32L (aerated)
Filter: Fluval C2 HOB
Media: Biohome +
Cycle Agent: Seachem Stability
Ammonia source: Ammonium Biocarbonate (powdered)
Test Kit: Sera

Day 1
Ammonia level: 5mg
PH level: 7.5
Seachem Stability: Added 4ml

Day 2
Ammonia level: Drop to 1mg
Adding ammonia powder raise up to 5mg
Seachem Stability: Added 2ml

Day 3
Ammonia level: 4mg
Nitrite level: 0.5mg
Seachem Stability: Added 2ml

Day 4
Ammonia level: 4mg
Nitrite level: 1mg
Seachem Stability: Added 2ml

Day 5
Ammonia level: 4mg
Nitrite level: 1mg
Seachem Stability: Added 2ml

Day 6
Ammonia level: 4mg
Nitrite level: 2mg
Nitrate level: 30mg
PH level: 7.5
Seachem Stability: Added 2ml

[Tech Support EH]

Hi,

Thank you for your question and for using Stability. It is not at all uncommon to not see a drop in ammonia in the first 6 days. However, because you are starting to get both nitrites and nitrates, that indicates that you are moving in the right direction. I would assume that you are not using any ammonia-binding product, since you most likely do not have fish in the system; is that correct?

Make sure that you have a good porous biological media, such as Matrix, in place, as this will give the beneficial bacteria plenty of surface area on which to colonize. It can take up to several weeks to fully cycle a tank, so continue adding Stability to expedite the process.

Here is a link to Matrix if you would like to read about it:

http://www.seachem.com/Products/product_pages/Matrix.html

Have a great weekend!

[rubbersandal]

Thanks, it will be a fishless cycle. Except the initial phrase of adding ammonium biocarbonate to 5mg the rest are not ammonia-binding product Im using.

Yup I just got myself seachem matrix and added it.
Im quite confused as I thought by having Seachem Stability things will speed up, now it seems like the whole cycle will take a few more weeks that you mentioned. 2-3 weeks more maybe to fully cycle if that's so wouldnt that be the same as using traditional method of fishless cycle without any aid of cycle agent?

Not doubting the function of Stability as is a proven product and I have faith on it.

1: Am I rite to say because of my high ammonia level that is why the cycle process will slow down

2: Ammonia level remains high for the past 5 days without the sign of dropping what could be the reason

3: Am I dosing the right amount of Stability

4. Did I miss out anything

I dont believe it got anything to do with my media biohome+ as is proven and like matrix it got good porous as well.

[Tech Support HK]

Yes, since the ammonia level is high, the cycling process will be prolonged unfortunately. It is best to add a very minimal amount of ammonia, just enough to serve as food for the aerobic bacteria. It is best to stay under 2ppm ammonia during cycling. Since your ammonia level is high, I would try adding 1 capful (5mL) daily until ammonia and nitrite reduce to zero.

Were you able to add the Matrix without removing the biomedia that was already in place? Have you performed any water changes? Do you have ozone/UV turned off?

I apologize for all of the questions, but I would like to ensure that the bacteria are colonizing properly.

I look forward to your response!

[rubbersandal]

Thanks for your response.

Dont worry about the questions as a matter of fact that shows the administator concern about each individual queries and I appreicate that. Matrix has been added to the existing media, no water changes has been performed since the start of cycle, UV/ozone are not included in this tank.

Below are the updates.

Day 7
Ammonia level: 3mg
Nitrite level: 5mg
Nitrate level: 40mg
Seachem Stability: Added 2ml

Day 8
Ammonia level: 0.7mg
Nitrite level: 5mg
Nitrate level: 50mg
Seachem Stability: Added 2ml

Day 9
Ammonia level: 0.5mg
Nitrite level: 5mg
Nitrate level: 60mg
Seachem Stability: Added 2ml

Additional ammonia has been raise up to 2mg
I assume these readings are back to normal so Stability remains adding to 2ml instead of 5ml.
Am I on the right track, thanks and regards.

[Tech Support EH]

It definitely looks like you're on the right track; your ammonia is beginning to drop, and I also expect to see that nitrite dropping off soon as well.

The Matrix should prove to be a great addition, as it will provide a lot more surface area on which the bacteria in Stability can colonize. Keep us updated and have a great day!

[rubbersandal]

It seems like nitrite still remain at peak point, is there any thing I can do.
Does water changing or increase dosage of stability to 4ml willl help?

Day 10
Ammonia level: 0mg
Nitrite level: 5mg
Nitrate level: 100mg
Seachem Stability: Added 2ml

Day 11
Ammonia level: 0mg
Nitrite level: 5mg
Nitrate level: 100mg
Seachem Stability: Added 2ml

Day 12
Ammonia level: 0mg
Nitrite level: 5mg
Nitrate level: 100mg
Seachem Stability: Added 2ml

Additional ammonia has been raise up to 2mg daily

[Tech Support AN]

Thanks for the update!

First and foremost, I would not recommend adding any more ammonia, as this will continue to prolong the cycle. You are already through the ammonia phase of the cycle, which is a good thing, now we need to get over the nitrite hump and reduce those nitrates.

I would highly recommend a decent size water change in order to get those nitrates down to a reasonable level (10-20ppm). Typically, I suggest holding off on water changes only during the first week of adding the Stability. Thereafter, it is perfectly acceptable and recommended to begin routine water change maintenance each week or biweekly.

You can definitely increase the dosage of the Stability without any fear of overdosing. I would add more than recommended immediately following your water change.

Let us know how it goes!

[rubbersandal]

For the past few days, ammonia has not been added my concern is that will this affect the growth of the BBS. Please refer to the readings below thanks.

Day 13
Ammonia level: 0mg
Nitrite level: 5mg
Nitrate level: 100mg

50% water change, no ammonia added
Seachem Stability: Added 5ml

Day 14
Ammonia level: 0mg
Nitrite level: 2mg
Nitrate level: 50mg

No ammonia added
Seachem Stability: Added 5ml

Day 15
Ammonia level: 0mg
Nitrite level: 5mg
Nitrate level: 50mg

50% water change, no ammonia added
Seachem Stability: Added 5ml

Day 16
Ammonia level: 0mg
Nitrite level: 2mg
Nitrate level: 25mg

No ammonia added
Seachem Stability: Added 5ml

Day 17
Ammonia level: 0mg
Nitrite level: 1mg
Nitrate level: 25mg

No ammonia added
Seachem Stability: Added 5ml

[Tech Support MS]

It appears that the cycle is close to completion, so you should be in good shape. It is unusual that it has taken this long but every aquarium is slightly different and it is hard to say how long the cycle will take.

Also, it would be safe to discontinue dosing Stability at this point. Really, daily dosing is only necessary for the first 7 days. This introduces the appropriate bacteria which can then begin reproducing on their own. After that point, I generally only use Stability after water changes, medicating, or when adding new fish. Really just to boost my biofilter.