week 3 no ammonia changes

**snipesxxx** · 12-24-2008, 07:43 PM

Title says it all. Still reads 4-5 on the ammonia, no nitrites or anything. Temp is at 84, air stone and all have been going.

Why is the ammonia not moving? Using API Mast Test. I've got to where I am checking it every few days instead of everyday.

**Northernguy** · 12-24-2008, 08:00 PM

What are your w/cs like?How much,how often?

**snipesxxx** · 12-24-2008, 08:14 PM

non, I heard no fish no changes needed? Should have mentioned this is a fishless cycle.

**Lady Hobbs** · 12-24-2008, 08:39 PM

LOL Well, when you say ammonia is at 4-5, that much we can rather guess. No fish would be alive at those levels.

Something is just wrong here. You should have shown nitrites by about the 4th day.

Would you mind explaining exactly how you've done this so far, if the ammonia you are using is pure and has no additives, did you use bacteria boosters, etc, etc.

**Lady Hobbs** · 12-24-2008, 08:54 PM

PS.......Make sure your test kit vials set for about 5 minutes when you mix the liquids together. Make sure vials are rinsed out very well between tests, too. And shake them well before using and after adding the liquids together.

Have you got your filter going?

**fishbum** · 12-24-2008, 09:09 PM

Are you adding pure ammonia,or are you using something else like raw shrimp,or adding fish food to the tank?

**snipesxxx** · 12-24-2008, 09:17 PM

Filled tank, added ammonia and thats it. I was first using test strips but once they was gone I changed to liquid.

At one time I though I might have put to much ammonia in(when using the strips) I did do a partial water change. Once my liquid tests came little over a week ago I tested and it showed 4-5 and has remained there.

Only thing that might be different then most is I originally had fish in this and was recommended giving them back and going fishless cycle. So my filter is nasty which I haven't touched. I am using 10% Ace Hardware Ammonia Janitor Strength or something. Few days ago I did add just a pinch of fish flakes.

**Lady Hobbs** · 12-24-2008, 09:27 PM

You are using a filter, tho, right? You have to have the filter for something for the bacteria to grow in.

**snipesxxx** · 12-24-2008, 10:59 PM

yep filter been running since day one(over a month). Would the crap that came from the fish that is in the filter mess with the cycle?

**Lady Hobbs** · 12-25-2008, 12:27 AM

Should have no bearing on it but if it's a mess you may as well add some new stuff now before you start your cycle so you can use it for some time. I just don't understand what's happening ........or lack thereof........and have never heard of not getting nitrites so this long. A week would be about on target.

You are using a dechlorinator for your water, right? I am just at a total loss here!! What size is your tank? And do you have any friends who have fish that you could steal some filter media from?