Can't get cycle going

**Duffer** · 11-09-2012, 08:25 AM

Hi
Still trying to cycle this tank... after initially i had put far too much ammonia in, i re-started and dosed the tank and got it to 4ppm. (I have a 70L tank, with a fluval u2 filter, i use the api liquid test kit).

This was on Sunday I got it to 4ppm. Since then, i've been testing for nitrites, ammonia levels, nitrates etc.

My ammonia levels have been firmly at 4ppm, nitrates at 5ppm and nitrites are at 0. Not sure what to do next, any advice would be appreciated?

thanks

**Cliff** · 11-09-2012, 08:39 AM

Give it some more time

I would also suggest for a tank of just under 20 gallons that you could drop the ammonia level to 2 or 3 ppm and still be able to grow enough bacteria to keep your tank healthy.

**Duffer** · 11-09-2012, 09:02 AM

Originally Posted by Cliff

Give it some more time

I would also suggest for a tank of just under 20 gallons that you could drop the ammonia level to 2 or 3 ppm and still be able to grow enough bacteria to keep your tank healthy.

ok will give it a few more days, thanks. what level of nitrites should i start seeing?

**Cliff** · 11-09-2012, 09:20 AM

Based on the last few times I cycled a tank, you could expect to see nitrites starting to show up anyweres around 5 to 10 days. Yuor results may vary tho

Once the ammonia drops, start testing for the nitrites

**Lady Hobbs** · 11-09-2012, 01:25 PM

Read the cycling thread in my signature. Mother Nature is growing bacteria. Give her time. It's only been 5 days. In the cycling thread, it says to dose the tank then just ignore it for several days because nothing is going to happen.

**Duffer** · 11-12-2012, 09:32 PM

Originally Posted by Lady Hobbs

Read the cycling thread in my signature. Mother Nature is growing bacteria. Give her time. It's only been 5 days. In the cycling thread, it says to dose the tank then just ignore it for several days because nothing is going to happen.

thanks - i've been ignoring it for 9 days and there is no drop in the ammonia whatsoever and no nitrites. I'll keep waiting though, i just wasn't sure if i had done something wrong.

**Duffer** · 11-18-2012, 07:50 PM

Hi, it has now been 14 days and my results are still the same. is there anything i can do to help this along?

thanks

**Duffer** · 11-26-2012, 09:36 PM

Hi, since i started this 17 days ago i still don't see a drop in ammonia or any nitrites. after reading everything on the site it seems like i should see a change in these however i don't. unsure what to do next, any suggestions would be welcome?

thanks