Cycle question

How long has it been set up, and what are you doing to cycle it?

You need to create an ecosystem for your tank. Pods, bacteria, etc.

 

The bacteria needs an ammonia source ie food to live. Test for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate. Each stage of the nitrogen cycle takes different amounts of time to happen. BE PATIENT it will happen. The first thing you will see is your ammonia will be high...that's good. Then it will convert to nitrite...that will stay high for a while. Then it will convert to nitrate. The bacteria needs to establish itself. I have had it happen as fast as a week other times it took 2 weeks. Every tank is different on time to cycle. Once your tank can convert ammonia to nitrate in a 24 hour period you are fine to put fish in...a couple or 1 not all the fish you want right away. With that being said your tank is still cycling and sometimes takes a year to be 100% established. I am sure others will have some good info to chime in on as well. Everyone is here to help and glad you asked!!!

--- Auto-Merged, Dec 30, 2015, Original Post: Dec 30, 2015 ---

Also another indicator that your tank has cycled is diatoms will start to appear. You will see brown on the sand and the rocks and maybe the glass.

 

Another way to kick start the cycle is to add a couple of cocktail shrimp. (Unseasoned). And let them sink to the bottom and let them breakdown. We have started many tanks like that.

 

I like to seed new tanks with established rock or 2 from someone's tank. Or a couple cups of someone's sand. Helps cycle move along a little quicker.

 

We may have a few chunks to spare for this if needed.

 

Ya drop them in and let them start breaking down.

 

I have had success with booster products like Bio-spira to cycle my tanks.

 

Let them start breaking down, and get gooey add a power head to prevent stagnant water.

 

Mushy gewy?

 

Bio load should be kicking in now. Lol