cycling problem

[vafa]

so i have a 1.5 gallon tank
it has a 3i tetra whisper filter
i have been trying to cycle it for a month or so
its readings are
ammonia: .50 ppm
nitrite: im not sure but it look like 0
nitrate: 0
i will take a pic of the nitrite reading asap
why is it taking forever to cycle this
im thinking of adding tetra safe start

[Goes to 11!]

This is fishless?

What are you going to stock it with?

[vafa]

fishless and some shrimp

[vafa]

the pic is attached

[Cliff]

Maybe have a LFS test it for you. I have always found it was easier to get a good accurate reading when viewing in person rather than looking at a pic. I posted a pic of a test result once and thought the color in the pic was a little different than the colors in real life


Also, have you cleaned the tank/filter or done anything like that ?

[vafa]

i didn't touch the filter or tank

[scotchbonneteater]

what media do you have in the filter ?
what is your PH reading as a cycle can stall if it is much below 6.4
Are you using de-chlor with your water ?
dont forget to check the PH of your tap too

[vafa]

the ph is 7.6 so that is not a problem
so what about tetra safestart
i was thinking of dumping that stuff in until ammonia reaches 0
and then adding the shrimp
oh ya btw i don't have a heater in there yet is that ok
thanks in advance

[fishmommie]

I would not use the safe start but stick with ammonia.
What did you dose it to originally?
and as someone asked - what media do you have in your filter?
Heat will help a fishless cycle along so if you plan on heating the tank, I'd get one and set it around 82F

[vafa]

It's a tetra small bio bag