All Done -- For Now

[sandy]

Hi all. Just checking in. I finally have about 55 lbs of LR in my 50 gal tank. The darn thing is still cycling... so I don't get a lotta sleep... watching my critters to be sure they are not stressed.
With 55lbs LR, 65lbs Sand, A Fluval 304, A Skilter and good circulation... plus water change (10 gal... had to do it fshhub... Ammonia went to .50). I'm hoping the bacteria will build up and I will finally read ZERO ammonia and nitite. Please please please...
Attention All Newbies: listen to these guys. I have been cycling a 50 gal (20 was overloaded) with my fish. Don't Do It! I've not lost anyone so far, but this is a long and stressful haul.
Next time I have a new tank... I will put in the Sand, LR & some shrimp prawns from the grocery store and let it cycle for as long as need be. Then I will add fish slowly.
There is my update. Hope you are all well.
Sandy in Tucson.

 

[farieslayer]

why are u changing water while cycling?????, your cycle will never done, if u do that, just leave it alone.

 

[thewolfman777]

i agree with fairy and fshuub, no water changes during the cycling. regardless if you are concerned about the fish you have in there, you should not do it. that is why it is recommended not to cycle w/ fish. unfortunetly it may be a death sentence for your cycling fish. water changes will only make the cycling process longer...

 

[farieslayer]

anthem , did u know that small amount of water change won't make a different. By doing that u delaying the cycling and make the fish live with the ammonia, and nitrite more.

 

[sandy]

I want everyone in my tank to come out of this alive. We have been doing this for well over a month with no losses. I'd like to get the tank cycled... but that is why I've been adding LR once a week - to get the bacteria to build up to sustainable levels.
Like I said, if I had it to do over again, I would have taken the fish back to the store when my 20 gal was overstocked and poisonous then cycled the 50 gal.
So far everyone is fine... I agree that the water changes extend the cycle, but I also know that the cycle will continue (and finish) over time with small water changes.
One small note: If I notice my fish are stressed out (or any of my inverts die) and I cannot "fix" the situation, I WILL take them to the LFS (good LFS) and willingly give up $250.00 worth of livestock to save their lives. I'm less than 5 min away from the store and always keep water aged and available for transport. I watch the tank almost constantly (mostly because I enjoy it -- but also due to anxiety - I don't want anyone to suffer).
Thank you all for your help and advice. I really appreciate everyone's advice and opinions.