Tips on Cycling

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J

jredner

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Sep 29, 2007
223
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0
Michigan
I'm setting up a new tank and wanted to know if anybody has any advise on how to shorten cycle time. Just to let everybody know where I'm at:
I've had 5 goldfish in my tank for four weeks now and the ammonia levels are at 0 (and have been for about two or three weeks), pH and general hardness are both good but the nitrate levels are high. I'm keeping some live plants and have been using Flourish plant fertilizer twice a week. Also, I'm doing weekly 20-30% water changes.

So, any advise on how to get my tank cycled?
 
What is the nitrIte level.

Is the high nitrAte level from the fish/tank/filter or do to the fertilizer?

With a high nitrAte level, you shouldn't need fertilizer :D.

How big are the Gfish?

Dr Joe

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What about nitrItes? Have you checked them? Remember, the cycle goes:
ammonia -> nitrIte -> nitrAte
If you have 0 nitrItes, your tank is probably cycled, and the nitrAtes you are seeing are the result of the beneficial bacteria. Otherwise, the nitrAtes are from the fertilizer. Good luck!
 
Sorry, the nitrItes are high as well.
The fertilizer doesn't say anything about containing either nitrites or nitrates (although it does contain 0.07% Nitrogen).
The goldfish are about 1-1.5 inches.
 
This would indicate to me that your still in mid-cycle. definatly stop the fertilizer...at least until the Nitrates come down below 40. What are your readings by the way?
Tank cycling is called the .... drum roll please.... Nitrogen cycle. Adding anything that alters the nitrogen ballance in the water before the tanks fully established is going to slow down the process. Even water changes are discuraged before the cycles complete.
 
So no more water changes and stop fertilizing until the tank is better established.

I'm not sure on the exact readings for NO3 or NO2, I just go to the fish store and they do the readings. I was there today and he said that it looked like I needed another week. I've been going in every three days or so to get the water checked and it just seems like there is no changes for a while now and was thinking that you guys would have some tips.
 
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