Cycled? So soon?

[k2x5]

Ok, so I started a fishless cycle on my larger 55g tank on the weekend. Got everything together and put in, turned the temp up to about 84, and got my test kit ready. I didn't have any seed material.

I'm running a Rena XP3, with the included filter media(Bio-Chem Zorb, Foam 20, Foam 30, Micro-Filtration Pad), plus I added Fluval Ceramic Bio Rings for extra bacteria capability.

Standard Tap Water (Well water, no Chlorine/Chloramine):
Ammonia: 0
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: 0

Monday:
Ammonia: 5ppm
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: 0-5
Actions: Didn't add any more Ammonia.

Yesterday, when I tested, my levels were:
Ammonia: 2.4ppm
Nitrite: 0.3 mg/L
Nitrate: ~10mg/L
Actions: Added more Ammonia to bring it up to 5ppm.

Today:
Ammonia: 2.4 ppm
Nitrite: 0.3 mg/L
Nitrate: ~80 mg/L
Actions: Didn't add more Ammonia. I assume I should be aiming for about 2.5ppm now.

It looks like it's cycled, or at least getting close to being cycled. But it seems such a short time, especially since I used No Seed material. Anyone ever have this happen before?

Also, there is some white particulate floating on the surface of the water, not sure what it is, but I think it may be from the bio-rings. Any ideas?

Thanks in advance for any help everybody.

[Sasquatch]

You've got a good start ... but you ain't done yet.

You still haven't had your nitrite spike. Continue to maintain ammonia at 5ppm until that happens. You nitrite spike should be as big (if not bigger) than your ammonia levels. When we did a fishless in our 5g, it spiked at over 3ppm.

Your nitrate readings are bizzare though ... I don't think you missed the nitrite spike since you still have high ammonia readings ... so elevated nitrate levels are a little weird. Could there be another source? Plants, rotting fish food ... ?

One last thing, what is "Bio-Chem Zorb". If it binds things like ammonia/nitrites/nitrates, it could be throwing off your readings.

[Wild Turkey]

Yes, throw away the Zorb stuff. You have about 2 weeks or so to go on the cycle i would guess. When you see 0/0/10-30 ppm for a few days you'll be done. What kind of tests are you using? Get tests that use the ppm standard of measurement, that will make things alot easier

[RainMan]

Are you adding ammonia? I didn't see that in your post. I'm with sasquatch and turkey... ammonia agents just make things more complicated then they need to be. Your bacteria will build up and take care of the ammonia for you.

It took me a week before nitrites finally took off (with a seeded tank)... you need that spike before you're done.

[digital3]

Your Nitrite might not spike with that big of a tank (never did with my 55), but the fact that you still have Nitrite readings means you're not cycled yet. Once Am and Nitrites hit zero THEN you are cycled. It takes longer for the Nitrifying bacteria to develop. As long as you have the Nitrite readings, you're still cycling.

Hang in there, it will be sooooo worth it in the end!

[RainMan]

Good points on both accounts! :)

[k2x5]

Took the advice of the experienced, and removed the Bio Chem-zorb stuff from the filter. I can't find a proper description of what this product does, so I figure it's probably best not to use it.

Nitrites spiked this morning. Ammonia was down to under 1ppm(Biggest overnight drop I've seen so far) and Nitries were off the charts. Added half the usual ammonia amount, so now I'll just keep checking, and adding ammonia as needed until the Nitrites and Ammonia to hit 0.

Thanks for the help & advice everyone who posted.

[Lady Hobbs]

Now that you have the nitrites showing, add enough ammonia daily to read around 3. It should take you about 12 days is all (or less). All depends on the water you have. But HATS OFF to you! You are doing everything right on target and doing the purrrr-fect cycle!

When you add ammonia and in 24 hours see NO ammonia or nitrites, you will be finished.