White stuff growing in tank

[naiku]

I am still going through my never ending cycle (nitrites have been high for weeks)........... but noticed yesterday that there is this white stuff growing in my tank, I can see it on the fake plants in there, and some on the sucker pads of the heater. I have no idea what it is............ any ideas? its a fishless cycle, but the tank did previously have fish (before they died from lack of cycling knowledge) is the white stuff having an effect on my cycle? is it anything to worry about? Thanks.

[Lady Hobbs]

Is it slimy? If so, it's just algae which is normal in a newly set up tank.

But I have to wonder why you have nitrites "for weeks." Nitrites are slower to leave than ammonia but still it doesn't take weeks. Maybe 10 days.

Are you still adding ammonia every day? Perhaps you are adding too much. I don't know what size tank you have but just add a few drops......enough to keep the bacteria from dying off.

I would also do a water change to help reduce these nitrites and then see if the rest will go on it's own. Adding too much ammonia may have messed you up.

CLEAN NOTHING. Leave the gravel alone as well as the filter.

[elmer]

Maybe add some NutraFin Cycle or Seachem Stability?

[naiku]

Lady Hobbs: Yes, it is kind of slimy. Glad its normal. I have been adding ammonia probably every other day to keep it around 4ppm. I think to start with I had been adding too much (back in May) but carried out some water changes to cut it down and then only add when the color starts dropping. I have a liquid test kit, and the nitrite purple color is getting a deeper purple, but nitrites have been high for a while. Will try a couple more water changes and keep my fingers crossed.

Elmer: I started adding SeaChem Stability about a week ago, so far its not making any difference (to be honest I figured it would not).

[Jason87]

I had this same problem with my tank, tried all of the above, Stability, Cycle, Micro-lift all of the cycling product that my lfs had.

Until I was recommended Bio-Spira (sp), this seemed to be the only thing that worked and within 3 days my levels were almost perfect. Good luck