New Member

Posts: 5
From:Orlando, FL USA
Registered: Jul 2003

posted 08-10-2003 12:16 PM         

---

OK...I started my cycle about 2 weeks ago. I've been testing everyday since. All the levels have statyed normal except the ammonia. The ammonia went up to .5 - 1.0 yesterday and 3 guppies died. I was told to get feeder fish to cycle my tank and that they would all die so don't worry. What I don't know is, should I be doing water changes during my cycle? Should I use AmQuel during the cycle? I've read several articles about cycling and non really answer this question. Thanks.

IP: Logged

Member

Posts: 251
From:
Registered: Jan 2003

posted 08-10-2003 11:40 PM         

---

Maybe this will help you. When my tank is cycling I do the normal 20% water changes. The only difference I make during those changes is that I take the water from the top of the tank not from the bottom. Remember, the bacteria is in the gravel, and is best left undistrubed during cycling. The main reasons for changing the water are to keep the hardness down and the PH up. The amonia should peak after 3 weeks. At that point the amonia should start to decline and the nitrites start to increase. This should continue for about 2 more weeks. At that point the nitrites will start to decrease and the nitrates will start to increase. The process should take about 6 weeks. I've read some statements that cycling can take up to 25 weeks. Personally I think they are confusing bacterial overload with cycling. After the 6 weeks you should be able to do your water changes as normal, from the bottom. Also, contrary to what you may think Amquel actually has very little effect on the cycle. If you feel uncomfortable with this you can let the tank go for 6 weeks without the water changes. The only problem you might run into is your cycle fish having to be replaced to finish the cycle. Easiest times to check for cycle hang is 3rd and 5th weeks when amonia should decrease and nitrites increase and when nitrites decrease and nitrates increase. Hope this helps.
P.S. Don't use Amquel to correct amonia, just use it during the water change to remove chlorine/chloramines.

[This message has been edited by kc5gvn (edited 08-10-2003).]

IP: Logged

All times are ET (US)