My tank isn't cycling.

**Crush_a_lot** · 01-03-2013, 11:42 PM

I've got a 10gal tank with 2 african dwarf frogs and 1 male betta. The pets were a gift in a container which was much too small, and upon receiving them I wanted to immediately put them into a more suitable space. Therefore, I was not able to cycle my tank before stocking it. Not to mention, I didn't even know what cycling was at the time.

I do frequent 50% water changes based on the levels of ammonia. I use an API test kit. I started the tank on the 19th of November, and I'm not seeing any evidence that bacteria is breaking down the ammonia. I'm also completely negative for trItes and trAtes.

The only things I'm adding to the tank are fresh (treated) water, and food. Does anyone know why I'm not seeing anything yet?

**Cliff** · 01-03-2013, 11:45 PM

Sometimes it can take a while to cycle a tank with fish (or frogs)

What are the ammonia and nitrite test results before you complete yur water changes?

Also, I moved your thread to the correct section of the forum

**Crush_a_lot** · 01-03-2013, 11:51 PM

Thanks for moving it, I've never used a forum before XD

I never let ammonia get past 4.0ppm, but it is rarely that high anyway. I usually have a reading for about 1.0 or 2.0 ammonia before I change it. I have yet to ever test positive for nitrites.

**Cermet** · 01-04-2013, 12:47 AM

Originally Posted by Crush_a_lot

Thanks for moving it, I've never used a forum before XD

I never let ammonia get past 4.0ppm, but it is rarely that high anyway. I usually have a reading for about 1.0 or 2.0 ammonia before I change it. I have yet to ever test positive for nitrites.

Your ammonia levels are deadly - above 0.7 ppm is very bad and 1.0 ppm can do permanent harm to fish/frog. Your aim is to keep ammonia below 0.5 ppm.

By any chance do you know your pH? pH below 6.4 can make cycling very slow and below 6.2 (unlikely) will pretty much stop bacteria.

My guess is your pH is 7.0 or somewhat less since your aquatic life is still alive with ammonia levels that high (low pH converts deadly ammonia into more safe ammonium.) Still, you should use something to be sure the ammonia is passivated; also, water changes every day to keep ammonia below 0.5 ppm.

Just read that you have an API test kit - if the resolution is poor, maybe the ammonia levels are not that high - I sure hope not ... .

By the way, what filter do you have and the media in it?

**Slowerthnyou99** · 01-04-2013, 12:56 AM

I am not seasoned enough to give advice, but do you have any filtration in the tank? For the pros, don't you need sometype of filtration so bacteria can colonize in the filter cartrige or carbon?

**fishmommie** · 01-04-2013, 02:30 AM

Originally Posted by Slowerthnyou99

I am not seasoned enough to give advice, but do you have any filtration in the tank? For the pros, don't you need sometype of filtration so bacteria can colonize in the filter cartrige or carbon?

Absolutely - OP needs filtration to grow bacteria. So good question.
What type of filter do you have on the tank?
And is it heated?