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jk56
03-28-2009, 07:27 PM
Got my 29G and set everything up. Just added 1 Tsp of ammonia. How long do I need to wait before I check the ammonia level? Let me know and I'll keep everyone posted on levels. First time I've ever done this so all the help I can get will be appreciated.
bushwhacker
03-28-2009, 07:38 PM
stir it up real well and test it
jk56
03-28-2009, 07:48 PM
Ammonia is almost 3
s72450
03-28-2009, 07:51 PM
From what I'm told, that's a good starting point. I believe you need to keep it between 3 - 5 ppm levels to grow bacteria. It also helps to crank that heater up, I have mine sitting at 85 degrees right now for cyling purposes.
jk56
03-28-2009, 07:55 PM
I'm holding between 85-86 degrees with my filter running and an airstone going. From what I've read everything is going great, though its only been going for about 30 minutes. If everything stays like this I'll be really surprised. Usually whatever I do goes wrong at some point:hmm3grin2orange:
fins_n_fur
03-28-2009, 08:00 PM
Let it sit for today. Test it tomorrow to see what it reads and try to get nearer to 4 or 5 ppm. Don't do any cleaning and don't touch the filter at all. Be prepared to dig deep for patience :11: That's pretty much what you need now. Good luck and come back if you have any questions!
jk56
03-28-2009, 08:18 PM
This is going to be EXTREMELY hard for me. I don't have any patience. The only thing I have going for me is I'm going to be gone tonight and all day tomorrow.
fins_n_fur
03-28-2009, 08:29 PM
What are you going to do the rest of the month then LOL It's tough, and I have none either, but it's good to develop some for the hobby. Excellent time to do lots of research on what you would like to stock it with.
jk56
03-28-2009, 08:36 PM
Thanks for the encouragement:scry:
chel
03-29-2009, 03:16 AM
Hey, just wanted to let you know that I am right there with you with the patience thing...but I am starting to realize that this is not a fast-moving hobby. But the wait is worth it, or so I hear. Keep letting us know how things are going and have a good time getting the tank set up and researching fish while you are waiting.
jk56
03-29-2009, 01:51 PM
Got up this morning and retested its still almost 3 which is exactly where it was yesterday. I added another 1/2 tsp to bring it up a bit. I'm going to let t sit for a bit to stir up then I'll retest to see where its at. I'll post results shortly.
jk56
03-29-2009, 02:06 PM
That made it just a hair over 3, I added another 1/4 tsp. I'll retest this evening and post where its at.
jk56
03-29-2009, 08:57 PM
Just tested and it is 5. Now I just test daily until I see it drop right?
jk56
03-30-2009, 12:22 PM
Water looked cloudy this morning, is this normal? Ammonia was still 5.
s72450
03-30-2009, 09:42 PM
Cloudy water is normal, although with my 55 gallon I've never had this problem, but every other tank I've owned had "new tank syndrome" as it's more commonly called around here.
jk56
03-31-2009, 01:51 AM
So will it clear up on its own, or do I need to do something? I know I'm probably annoying with all my questions and paranoia, but I'm as green as they come.:hmm3grin2orange:
jk56
04-02-2009, 10:49 PM
Can someone help me out with my cloudy water? Will it clear up or do I need to do something?
Kaz
04-03-2009, 12:58 AM
Just wait and the water will clear up.

I'm just always worried about screwing up too much to be impatient. It's kind of like how I'm so worried about overfeeding I think I might be underfeeding.
jk56
04-03-2009, 02:05 PM
Thanks for the help, I want to do this right. So everything that happens sends me into a panic:18:
Fraoch
04-03-2009, 02:58 PM
Can someone help me out with my cloudy water? Will it clear up or do I need to do something?

Your water will get cloudy from time to time as you cycle. If I was optimistic I'd say it was a bacteria bloom, but it's way too early for that. It's probably debris coming out of your gravel and/or decorations. It'll clear up as long as you keep your filter running.

You may also find crud floating on top of the water from time to time, I believe this is bacteria as well but it will be a long time before you see this, sorry to say.
jk56
04-17-2009, 02:42 AM
Will be three weeks on Saturday and NOTHING!!!! Is it possible that I don't have enough ammonia? I only have the test strips, not the kit (I know I need to get a kit). The best I can tell I'm between 3 and 6 on the ammonia level, closer to 3 than 6. Will it help if I boost the ammonia? Someone tell me everything is o.k. I'm about to give up:scry:
Fraoch
04-17-2009, 12:27 PM
You're looking for an ammonia level of between 4 and 5, so since you say it's between 3 and 6, it's probably best not to increase it. You could easily blow past the 6 mark, that would slow things down even more.

Cycling takes time and patience. Judging from the posts on this forum, some do have to wait a month to see nitrite appear.

Stick with it, because if you add fish, you'll not only have all these worries but you'll add daily water changes and sick/dying fish to your list of concerns.