My 50 Gallon South of the Border Community

**Cermet** · 04-23-2012, 11:28 AM

Off the shelf additives never speed up the cycle - this has been proven. Very special refrigerated ones (with the correct bacteria - very rare) can work but finding one that is for ral, good luck.

Your cycle is going great and you are getting there - great work!

**bignellm** · 04-23-2012, 11:41 AM

Well, we know a cap full as per instructions didn't do squat from what I can tell. I think 1/3 the bottle actually did. Yesterday before I hit it with the first third of the bottle the ppm of Nitrite was higher at almost 2. This morning it was 0.25ppm definitively by color. So, who knows, maybe with enough over dosing, this one does work? Not holding my breath, but maybe it does?

Hobbs and others have some measure of confidence in it for sure.

**bignellm** · 04-25-2012, 11:57 PM

Looks like we're finally just about done. Maybe the Stability actually did the job, by quickening the cycle at the end for the tank. A couple days ago, the Nitrite was nearer to 1-2ppm and today, looks to be 0.25ppm. A good test for sure.

2nd to final test.jpg

**bignellm** · 04-26-2012, 01:26 PM

Zero TEST.jpg

As ^^^^ test indicates, today is indeed a good day. We've done no w/c's for last 4 days, and today there is finally, finally no trace of Ammonia or Nitrite in the system.

Seems Marcus and Maria's new 50 gallon paradise is now in fact finally a paradise. I'm just hoping the T5's don't freak them out, when I move them over later. Though, there's tons of veggie hiding places for my little Rams.

So happy, this is finally going to be over. Just wish I didn't screw up the seeding of the ceramic media when I started. Another lesson learned, and learned the best way--the hard way.

**Cermet** · 04-26-2012, 01:28 PM

Congrats! Great job

**bignellm** · 04-26-2012, 01:43 PM

Today's full reads:
Ammonia 0ppm :)
Nitrite 0ppm :D
Nitrate 40ppm :O
Ph 7.6

Time Elapsed since exactly 1 month to the day. <<<== Checked via first post. It's only been 1 month??? It's seemed like 2 or maybe 3, lol. Rechecked the Nitrite 3 times to be sure. 0 each and every time. So, sending my Rams into their new home today. Will get pics up later of their behavior.

Before that, I'm taking a small sample to test for my lfs, which wanted one to verify when it happens. (Don't ask...probably them skeptical still over what I told them about them selling me some very sick BN plecos 2 weeks back)

Then, a partial w/c to bring down the Nitrate and then my Rams get their new home.

**bignellm** · 04-26-2012, 05:48 PM

The very first pictures of Marcus and Maria in their new 50 gallon paradise. I never thought I'd see this happen. But here it is. They're home.

Marcus and Maria home 1.jpg Marcus and Maria home 2.jpg

Almost netted them both out at once, but Marcus freaked at the top and slipped out. Got them into a large container, drip assimilated, and sunk the bowl into the tank, tipped sideways and let them leave of their own accord. They are now swimming about looking for their own territory to claim. They sure look like they're teamed up at the moment

like there are too many enemies to got at it alone.

Only issues, Rams are a bit nervous to new home, colors are their typical defensive posture ones. Hoping changes soon, when they get more comfy.

Absolutely a great day!!!

**bignellm** · 05-01-2012, 03:27 PM

So, yesterday I noticed my outflow dropped significantly; so I went ahead and cleaned my filter. Took out the bottom mechanical filter pads and rinsed them out immensely in treated water. Then took out the polishing pad and did the same. Went ahead afterwards and cleaned up the impeller assembly and intake/outflow chambers in the motor assembly. Got it spiffy and reassembled. Filled the canister with treated water (didn't wanna take a big chunk out of the tank level) and hooked up.

Well, apparently either the drop in flow hampered the bio-filter a tad, or I wiped some of it from the filter pads. In either case, the flows back up to max and we're now monitoring chemistry. Took a day, but Nitrite got to 0.25ppm and has since dropped to about half (judging by color and chart). Just a slight, very slight setback. But everything will live.

The Rams have decided to claim the bottom front right corner of the tank as their territory. Marcus is a bit more mellow towards Maria in the breeding off season. I think Maria is almost ready to try again, as her coloring is good and she is staying near Marcus. Marcus has decided to rip up some of the substrate and create a crater in their territory, right next to the slab of stone on that side.

**bignellm** · 05-03-2012, 11:43 PM

Cycled all set once again. No fish demises and Nitrite only spiked to 0.25 tops. Slowly declined over course of few days and now we're all set again. To be done later tomorrow, a nice trimming of all my plants and maybe a series of pictures to be taken.

So far, no new Ram mating activity. Still holding out hope.

**bignellm** · 05-10-2012, 01:55 AM

Well, it's been a while since I last update this. Cycle's done, performed my first filter maint on Rena Xp3, and did a slight trimming of the plants.

The Amazon's jumped up at least 3", since adding Co2. Co2 system's been pumping reliably for a couple weeks now. Absolutely pleased with what I've been seeing.

And lastly, added some Dwarf Flag Cichlids (Curviceps). I will be getting a new picture up here tomorrow. Tank's been looking good.