Cycling Problem - Stuck

[KellyQ68]

Because cycling a tank is growing a large population of bacteria, it can be affected by many things and sometimes takes the full 6-8 weeks, if not supplied with enough substrate.
How much seasoned media, substrate and rockwork was added?
How long had it seasoned? a few weeks? months are better.
I always have buckets of substrate sitting in sumps waiting to ad to new tanks (sometimes seasoning for years), and lots of rocks and biofilm lined pieces to start the tank. And I do mean buckets (not a small amount like a few handfuls) or a couple drinking glasses of sand.
If enough biofilm lined surfaces weren't added, and immediately given sufficient food (in the form of ammonia) your cycle may have stalled, and the bacterial population reduced itself, then when you add fish after the die off, couldn't keep up.
Just a theory.

Seems like a reasonable theory. It’s been 6 weeks so far almost 3 stuck in ammonia hell. I added substrate and filter media from established tanks but not in huge doses. What I’ve used in this tank is no different than my other seven tanks that I had no issue cycling. Filter media has been a challenge because I have all Fluval canisters and this is some proprietary built in filtration from SeaClear. Makes me worry about how well this system will perform once I do get it up and running.

 

[KellyQ68]

UPDATE - I may have found a huge problem. The artificial reef rock I purchased. I knocked one over messing with the tank tonight and a HUGE billow of white funky stuff polluted the tank.

Soaking and cleaning all of them. I’ve never seen this kind of accumulation in aquarium decorations before. A little concerned about putting them back. And they were expensive- I’ve got almost $200 wrapped up in them. Leaving out for now but really disappointed - this tank is in my dining room and I really wanted it to be a nice display. But not worth it if I can’t put fish in it!

 

[nossalucard]

At this point, stop messing with things. You might as well complete the cycle with pure ammonia to prevent risking your fish...

Good cycling ammonia: https://www.acehardware.com/departm...-and-disinfectants/all-purpose-cleaners/10184

Also, we ALL occasionally go through a "weird" cycle so don't feel too bad. I, like a few others here have a 20gallon long dedicated to just OLD unused media (old aquaclear ceramics, sponges, old gravel in a pouch, air powered sponge filters, and an old 15 year old power-head)that I keep constantly cycling by feeding with 30 drops of the same ammonia every other day I'm recommending to you just for this reason.

I bet I could start a 300gallon tank instantly with all this seasoned media, and I hope to someday find out!

Best of luck!

 

[KellyQ68]

UPDATE - I may have found a huge problem. The artificial reef rock I purchased. I knocked one over messing with the tank tonight and a HUGE billow of white funky stuff polluted the tank.

Soaking and cleaning all of them. I’ve never seen this kind of accumulation in aquarium decorations before. A little concerned about putting them back. And they were expensive- I’ve got almost $200 wrapped up in them. Leaving out for now but really disappointed - this tank is in my dining room and I really wanted it to be a nice display. But not worth it if I can’t put fish in it!

View attachment 1327925

Thank you - I’m still hanging in there. Patience is not my strong suit. .

Fish are good - I transferred them to my 20g QT tank so I’m just hoping I get over this hump soon. I did replace the plastic bio balls with ceramic rings - I am not impressed with this tank and the built in filtration.

Thinking I may end up setting up another tank downstairs for these fish and use this for my little dwarf rams. They will appreciate an upgrade to the 50...

I so appreciate everyone who has commented and offered advice. I will update once everything is resolved so at least anyone else who has this problem can benefit from all of your wonderful advice!

Thanks again!