Ammonia amount during cycle and when to add fish

[Chinnavar]

Hi all,

So I finally had the chance to set up my 180G after waiting for 2 years (FINALLY!) and i'm mid fishless cycle at the moment. I've dosed the tank with tetra safestart, and it seems that the nitrite consuming bacteria can handle around 2PPM Ammonia right now every 24 hours. (I've been following this post by Hybridtheoryd16)

I live by the exact method you are speaking about. Its works fantastically.

• I first figure out how much ammonia to add to raise the PPM up to 4ppm ammonia. Then I add that.
• Then I add the safe start a few hours later. Using enough to treat the hole tank volume.
• Wait 24hrs and then check my parameters for ammonia and nitrite.
• I then add the 4ppm ammonia everyday until the cycle complete's. Or I have a chance to get my fish.
• Before adding my fish I do a 80-90% water change and replenish with matching temp water and add my conditioner during the fill. Then go get the fish.

I have done this 4 times now and the cycle complete's 100% in less than 1 week, usually the first 24hr period all the ammonia is converted to nitrite. Which means step one of the cycle is 100% completed by the safe start. Then it takes a couple of days for the nitrite consuming bacteria to raise its population enough to handle a 4ppm bioload. I call a cycle complete when the 4ppm ammonia is converted to nitrite and then nitrate in less than 24hrs.

4ppm is on point with what most consider a full stocking of fish.

I already bought a small ornate bichir and 2 severums (ornate 4-5" severums a little bit smaller) that my LFS are keeping for me at the moment till my aquarium is cycled.
Should I wait till my tank can convert 4ppm ammonia or would the 2ppm be enough since im starting with small fish?

 

[tlindsey]

Hi all,

So I finally had the chance to set up my 180G after waiting for 2 years (FINALLY!) and i'm mid fishless cycle at the moment. I've dosed the tank with tetra safestart, and it seems that the nitrite consuming bacteria can handle around 2PPM Ammonia right now every 24 hours. (I've been following this post by Hybridtheoryd16)



I already bought a small ornate bichir and 2 severums (ornate 4-5" severums a little bit smaller) that my LFS are keeping for me at the moment till my aquarium is cycled.
Should I wait till my tank can convert 4ppm ammonia or would the 2ppm be enough since im starting with small fish?

Did you get a positive reading for Nitrates?

 

[Chinnavar]

Did you get a positive reading for Nitrates?

Yes, today was the first day that the nitrates were visible. at 10ppm.

 

[tlindsey]

Yes, today was the first day that the nitrates were visible. at 10ppm.

You should be fine but monitor water parameters as the fish grow.

 

[Chinnavar]

You should be fine but monitor water parameters as the fish grow.

Thanks a lot for the help! I'll be keeping an eye on the water parameters!