Yes, of course, I had an anarobic nitrogen fixing bacteria, stuck in my head, which strips the ate, of nitrate, for its oxygen supply.
Good news!! Only 12 hours after adding the ammonia last night, I've already seen a spike in the nitrite and nitrate. They are converting it! The Ammonia is already almost back to zero. Looks like I'm going to have to do some water changes to bring my nitrates back down after it's all done converting right?Well at about 80'F. The bacteria can double their population about every 15 minutes.
I spiked my system to 8 ppm by accident and it took about 2 days. Cleaning residue in a 55 gallon drum..
I would expect in less than 3 days. If your system is good, you should see a bump on the nitrites, and then nitrates should turn the api test orange.
Oh I forgot... will doing a big water change after its cycled, decrease the amount of bacteria? To the point where its counterproductive?Yes, of course, I had an anarobic nitrogen fixing bacteria, stuck in my head, which strips the ate, of nitrate, for its oxygen supply.
If there is no fish in tank u should do like mark suggested and add some ammonia. Test ur water everyday and watch ammonia and nitrite levels as they diminissh. Watching it will help in understanding and learning the cycle process. Patience in aquariums is key to success. I think a big water change right away will throw u into a cycle again
The bacteria colony which converts nitrite into nitrates, still is developing its size.
Right. Normally, when both ammonia and nitrite read 0 ppm 12-24 hours after adding liquid ammonia (increasing NH3 level to 2 ppm), you declare the tank cycled and perform a massive (near complete) water change. You then immediately add fish which are the new supply of ammonia from then on.Good news!! Only 12 hours after adding the ammonia last night, I've already seen a spike in the nitrite and nitrate. They are converting it! The Ammonia is already almost back to zero. Looks like I'm going to have to do some water changes to bring my nitrates back down after it's all done converting right?