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GRC
08-17-2007, 05:16 AM
I thought I had it all figured out, but... I currently have a Betta in a 2Gal bowl but I bought him a new 10 gal tank along with aquaclear 20 filter, a heater, gravel and a couple of silk plants-all new out of the package. I followed instructions for set up, rinsed everything with clean water,added conditioned tap water, fired everything up and let it run for 2 days. I was getting ready to add the Betta with the Biospira that I purchased (the instructions said it was safe) but I decided to test the water first. Results ammonia-0, Nitrites- .5+ ? I tested my tap water and even the Betta bowl that he was in, ammonia-0, nitrites-0, so I left him in the bowl. I did a full water change on the 10g tank, rinsed everything off again and started over. Next day's test ammonia- 0, nitrite-.5. No fish or biological material has been added. Could this be right? How should I cycle the tank, I thought everything had to start with zero readings- I'm stuck. Thanks
Lady Hobbs
08-17-2007, 05:38 AM
Your tap water may have some in it. Don't worry about it. Just procede as you had intended.
RobbieG
08-17-2007, 10:44 AM
It may actually speed it up a lttle bit - the bacteria tat eat nitrites tanke longer to develop than the bacteria that eat ammonia. Having a little early may speed that part of your cycle up.
GRC
08-17-2007, 02:01 PM
Thanks for the replies, but wont the nitrite hurt the fish if I put him in with the Biospira?
Lady Hobbs
08-17-2007, 02:21 PM
BioSpira keeps the ammonia and nitrite levels from becoming toxic. Levels of .5 nitrites are fine.
*Sarah*
08-17-2007, 02:39 PM
Good luck and welcome to AC!
GRC
08-17-2007, 02:42 PM
I have'nt added anything yet but I just tested the water again and the nitrites went up to 1.0+. Do you think the Biospira will moderate this or should I get just some pure ammonia and start a fishless cycle?
*Sarah*
08-17-2007, 02:44 PM
The Biospira is supposed to work well. I personally have never used it, but I'd just follow the directions on the package.
GRC
08-17-2007, 02:46 PM
Thanks, good to be on board, love the forum.
Lady Hobbs
08-17-2007, 02:51 PM
If you were going to cycle with a betta and using anything but bio-spira, I'd say to hold off. But bio-spira is top notch and can pretty much cycle your tank for you in a very short time. Betta's are not a good fish for cycling...but I believe you will be fine if you procede.