Zero nitrite but high ammonia and nitrate

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
D

Devzev

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Jun 22, 2014
151
11
33
nyc/nj
Its a fairly new tank. I was using seachem stability to jump start cycle
Is it possible to have high ammonia, zero nitrite and high nitrate???
Doing large water change now
Its a 200 gallon with a 120 sump. Bioballs and pond matrix


Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app
 
Devzev said:
Its a fairly new tank. I was using seachem stability to jump start cycle
Is it possible to have high ammonia, zero nitrite and high nitrate???
Doing large water change now
Its a 200 gallon with a 120 sump. Bioballs and pond matrix


Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app
Click to expand...


Here is what I think has happened , You started using stability .the bacteria began to oxidize whatever is in Stability after doing this for a week you added your fish (probably more than two) . Your fish are producing more ammonia than your bacteria can handle (High ammonia reading) and you have high nitrates due to the nitrobacter present in stability converting the source that it came with into nitrates which, will keep building until the water is changed.

Once your tank properly Cycles, your ammonia will be oxidized in to nitrites and then again into nitrates. You should read up about fishless cycling. It allows you to manipulate the Bioload capability of your filtration

Here read this , http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?203911-FISHLESS-TANK-CYCLING-(MUST-READ)
 
ya I agree with Podzy as to the explanation. It is possible for one type of bacteria to colonize faster, especially with the use of Stability. Add more stability or remove your fish and wait for the tank to level out.
 
Out of curiosity, can you share the actual most recent readings from your test?
 
Devzev said:
I guess the bacteria build up at different paces
Any thoughts?
Click to expand...

Nitrosomonas bacteria (that convert ammonia to nitrites) populate faster than nitrobacter bacteria (that convert nitrites to nitrates.) The bacteria population doubling rate under very good conditions is roughly 7 hours versus 13 hours, respectively, iirc.
 
About to start my first fishless cycle, ...I see an expensive disaster on my horizon :(
 
In my experience fishless cycling is easier because you don't have to worry about the welfare of any fish. All it takes is ammonia to get it started, and you don't need to buy any product to make it work; although some products may or may not increase the speed of the cycle process. Start with a shrimp and let it decay, or if your feeling adventurous urine is always an option. I guess you could use bottled ammonia but that just seems like cheating.


Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom