Need help on cycling

[vincentliu89]

ok guys, so you might've read my thread from awhile ago about cycling a new tank. I setup a new tank 2 weeks ago.
I have a 55 Gallon tank. With AC 110.
In my filter it has starting bottom to top - biomax, carbon, ammonia remover ( because my ammonia stays very high all the time like 2-4 ppm) and foam.
The tempurature is 80-82 degrees.
I have 2 fishes in it, a 8" silv aro, and a 4" datnoid.
I do a water change of 25-30% every other day.
My readings are ammonia 2,nitrite 0, nitrate 0

how come i been getting the same readings for 2 weeks? It seems like its showing no improvements Am i doing something wrong?

 

[mattenator]

you have no bacteria. Stop doing water changes and get some LFS water or water from someone elses established tank. Your ammonia will go up then fall as the BB eats and nitrites will rise, and the Nitrates will rise. Nitrate reading indicates bacteria pressence or waste. as well as 0 Ammonia and Nitrites. Try Aquasafe with Bio Extract. It worked alot better than cycle. But it takes time if you just do nothing and wait it will take a month. Good Luck

 

[EVP]

water from another tank will not help. u would have to get bio media or gravel from a tank. and i wouldnt trust anything from a lfs.

2 weeks is nothing. it can take a while so be patient. personally i would only do water changes if the numbers get too high for the fish in there.

also it sounds like your media in your 110 is upside down

 

[zennzzo]

you want the media from an established tank not the water...
with Ammonia remover in the filter, you are going to cycle slower because if it doing it's job there will be less Ammonia to convert...Myself I would just use the Bio-media and sponges...no chemical filtration...carbon, ammochips, nothing but sponge and biomax...
Acording to the hagen site and manual he has the media correct
http://www.hagen.com/pdf/aquatic/Aquaclear_English.pdf

 

[Bderick67]

Well it looks as if you are following the advise of the "lady" at the LFS regarding the set up of your AC110

I've stated before in your previous threads and PMs it will take at least 4~5 weeks for your tank to start cycling.

For the sake of your fish, disregard advise on not doing water changes. The water changes are needed to keep the ammonia or nitrite low. Ammonia or nitrite will harm/kill your fish. Both levels should be kept under .25 ppm and that is enough to feed the ever growing colony of bacteria, which you are trying to build.

Having an excess of ammonia will not grow your bacteria any faster.

 

[Bderick67]

ok guys, so you might've read my thread from awhile ago about cycling a new tank. I setup a new tank 2 weeks ago.
I have a 55 Gallon tank. With AC 110.
In my filter it has starting bottom to top - biomax, carbon, ammonia remover ( because my ammonia stays very high all the time like 2-4 ppm) and foam.
The tempurature is 80-82 degrees.
I have 2 fishes in it, a 8" silv aro, and a 4" datnoid.
I do a water change of 25-30% every other day.
My readings are ammonia 2,nitrite 0, nitrate 0

how come i been getting the same readings for 2 weeks? It seems like its showing no improvements Am i doing something wrong?

Acording to the hagen site and manual he has the media correct
http://www.hagen.com/pdf/aquatic/Aquaclear_English.pdf

Read`again is does not state to put the foam on top

 

[zennzzo]

Read`again is does not state to put the foam on top

Ooooops my bad...I read his first post wrong...sorry...
I still believe he needs to dump the carbon and ammonia chips, go biomax and foam,
and DO water changes...that's why his fish are still alive...

 

[vincentliu89]

alright since you guys are the expert and say to follow the manual , i just readjusted it
heres the order from bottom to top: foam, carbon, ammonia remover, biomax. is it okay that like almost half of the biomax is stick out on the top, cause it doesnt fit really, like it wont go any downer. Should i force it down by pushing everything down?

 

[vincentliu89]

And why isnt the water clear at all ???? seems like the carbon doesnt work

 

[EVP]

i would get rid of the carbon. i only use it to get rid of the chemicals, like after treating a tank for a sickness. also the ammonia remover like a previous post said. use water changes to get ammonia down. 110 is only meant for 3 medias. i only use 2. the foam and bio media, i put some extra bio in. your tank wont be clear until the cyle is finished.