nitrogen cycle question

[nanibear]

Im not sure if I put this in the right place as my question is somewhat specific to ADFs...

I have a 5.5 gal tank that im intending to use just for ADFs. I have been trying to cycle it for 3 weeks now. I lowered the water level so the filter can oxygenate the water. The temp is at a steady 86F. The ammonia is somewhere between 4ppm and 8ppm. Im using the api freshwater test kit. After 3 weeks in, there are no nitrates or nitrites. I shook the nitrate bottle as hard as humanly possible but it didn't change my results. I tried seachem stability for 5 days, no changes so far. Does anyone have any advice? I have no friends with established tanks so no luck there. I want frogs so bad but I cant put them in til the tank is established. Also, I am doing a fishless cycle to be on the safe side.

[Mentat]

I've never done a fish less cycle in 52 years of fish keeping; so can't help in there . Have you added AmmoLock or similar products? They cause many cycling problems IMO.

Myself would do a large water change (100% if used ammonia blockers products mentioned); add dechlorinated same temperature tap; add Seachem Stability; and the frogs.

Do not overfeed, do continue using Stability per bottle directions, and tank should be cycled in couple weeks. When doing water changes clean filter media in tank's water being removed; not in tap. Good luck !

[nanibear]

I've never done a fish less cycle in 52 years of fish keeping; so can't help in there . Have you added AmmoLock or similar products? They cause many cycling problems IMO.

Myself would do a large water change (100% if used ammonia blockers products mentioned); add dechlorinated same temperature tap; add Seachem Stability; and the frogs.

Do not overfeed, do continue using Stability per bottle directions, and tank should be cycled in couple weeks. When doing water changes clean filter media in tank's water being removed; not in tap. Good luck !

Thank you so much for the reply. I Don’tuse any ammo lock because I have no fish in my tank right now but I might juststart over. Its so frustrating to stare at an empty tank for almost a monthnow.

[deranged chipmunk]

Are you adding anything in the tank to create ammonia? Normally, during a fish less cycle you need to add ammonia to build up the bacteria colony, in conjunction with water changes.


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela

[nanibear]

Are you adding anything in the tank to create ammonia? Normally, during a fish less cycle you need to add ammonia to build up the bacteria colony, in conjunction with water changes.


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela

Yes I added pure unscented ammonia til I reached between 4ppm and 8ppm

[SailAwayAK]

Ive done the fishless thing and ran into the same issue you are having. How often are you adding more ammonia? I would also suggest just getting a few cheep fish or even some frozen shrimp to get the cycle going.

[nanibear]

Ive done the fishless thing and ran into the same issue you are having. How often are you adding more ammonia? I would also suggest just getting a few cheep fish or even some frozen shrimp to get the cycle going.

Iveonly added ammonia once because it never went down enough for me to add more.It stayed at 8ppm all 4 weeks.

[Mentat]

Maybe that ammonia has some cleaner additives that are preventing bacteria from being established? If so; will need to take tank down; rinse everything well, and start over again .

[SailAwayAK]

Maybe that ammonia has some cleaner additives that are preventing bacteria from being established? If so; will need to take tank down; rinse everything well, and start over again .

HA! I totally forgot about that! I did that once! I was finally able to find non additive stuff at ACE hardware. hard to come by good ol' pure stuff. People make baaaad things with it. :P