Aquarium Cycling Issues

[Hidan]

I would highly recommend adding Seachem Stability. It shortens the cycle a couple of weeks and the bottled bacteria your adding is supposed to be quite hardy (their claim and some hobbyist support said claim).

I used it when I was cycling my tank and was quite happy with the speed and the results.

 

[duanes]

Cycling an aquarium from scratch can take up to 8 weeks, and although turning off the filter may not totally stop the cycle, it could set you back a week or 2 each time it is turned off.
If someone regularly turns off the filter now, think of what might happen after fish are added. Depending on you stocking level, probably at least a few dead
If it were me, I might reconsider having a tank, until I had my own place.

 

[imabot]

I think they think it doesn't matter since there isn't any live stock in there but I don't recall them turning it off while we had two goldfish in there.

 

[Hidan]

I think they think it doesn't matter since there isn't any live stock in there but I don't recall them turning it off while we had two goldfish in there.

Yeah people don't tend to understand why a tank without any fish needs to have its pump on 24/7 as cycling isn't something anyone is aware of unless explained.
Don't worry about it and just hang in there.

 

[imabot]

Even when I try explaining it, they ignore it and deny it and bury their heads in the sand. I might get some plants earlier than I planned to speed up the process a bit.

 

[duanes]

You can cycle a tank by adding a "sacrificial" fish or two instead of household ammonia.
Put a small hardy fish, or two(no more) in the tank, they then provide a steady gradual stream of ammonia.
If they are hardy, they might make it, but they might not.
This may stop others in the house from turning off the pump, and short circuiting the cycle.

 

[skjl47]

one of my family members turned off the filter for the whole NIGHT because it was "too loud" but they blare their tv loud enough for me to get startled by it while I am in my room upstairs on the other side of the house.

Hello; If the "family member" is a parent then you are totally out of luck. If a sibling then you may have a chance. You may face ongoing problems with these family members.

This stopped the cycling process

Hello; Having run tanks with no filtration at all 50+ years ago and run tanks with only a bubbler many times over the decades, this does not seem correct.

There might be a little bit of the test kit chemicals in the water since I notice the water is very slightly tinged blue or some other un natural color before I add in the drops.

Hello; let me suggest you get some distilled water and use it to clean out the test kit vials to remove such contamination.

don't have any livestock in my aquarium right now.

Hello; I pretty much first thing always add a few snails to a new setup. They will produce some ammonia during metabolism. They should have some of the beneficial bacteria (bb) on the shells. They are extremely hardy and will not care if a filter is turned off.

turning off the filter may not totally stop the cycle, it could set you back a week or 2 each time it is turned off.

Hello; -This.

If someone regularly turns off the filter now, think of what might happen after fish are added. Depending on you stocking level, probably at least a few dead
If it were me, I might reconsider having a tank, until I had my own place.

Hello; This as well.

can cycle a tank by adding a "sacrificial" fish or two instead of household ammonia.

Hello; This also.

Good luck

 

[imabot]

Hello; If the "family member" is a parent then you are totally out of luck. If a sibling then you may have a chance. You may face ongoing problems with these family members.

It was my dad who turned it off unfortunately. I ended up filling it just a few milimiters from the top to quiet it down.

Hello; let me suggest you get some distilled water and use it to clean out the test kit vials to remove such contamination.

Does it matter if I use tap water? I usually rinse it(the vials)out along with the caps since a bit of the chemicals get on the cap from shaking it.

Hello; I pretty much first thing always add a few snails to a new setup. They will produce some ammonia during metabolism. They should have some of the beneficial bacteria (bb) on the shells. They are extremely hardy and will not care if a filter is turned off.
/QUOTE]

Thanks for the tip. Would about 2 or 3 mystery snails be good?

You can cycle a tank by adding a "sacrificial" fish or two instead of household ammonia.
Put a small hardy fish, or two(no more) in the tank, they then provide a steady gradual stream of ammonia.
If they are hardy, they might make it, but they might not.
This may stop others in the house from turning off the pump, and short circuiting the cycle.

Any recommendations for the type of fish?

 

[skjl47]

Does it matter if I use tap water?

Hello; Yes it matters. Distilled water is basically neutral as it should not have any minerals or other compounds dissolved in it. Tap water can and usually does have a lot of stuff in it including sometimes nitrates.
Distilled water (DW) is also useful as a standard. By that I mean if you run a nitrate test with DW the result should be zero nitrates. If you do get any reading at all then this is a strong indicator of some sort of problem with your testing procedure. Contaminated ( unclean vials) vials might be giving false readings.
I also think it is necessary to shake the nitrate chemicals a lot. A very very lot of shaking.

Hello; Any snails from an established tank should work. Mystery snails you have to buy.

There are other types that can be free. Red Ramshorn, MTS (Maylasian Trumpet Snails) and pond snails can be free from some shops. Bear in mind these will reproduce in your tank.

Hello; My choice would likely be the small danioes such as zebras. They are hardy and can be less expensive. Bear in mind the fish will suffer ammonia burn to some extent, perhaps even very much so.

Hello; On to another topic. Not clear how serious the strife may be between your parents and you over the tank. I also do not know your age or how long you may have to shelter at the parents home. Your call as to the worth of an ongoing conflict. This is just a hobby and likely not worth such a struggle. It can always be picked back up when you are on your own.
Good luck

 

[skjl47]

Hello; Let me add that DW is fairly cheap. A gallon was less than one dollar last time I bought some.