Is It Possible to Cycle This Quickly?

contraband629

contraband629

Member
My tank parameters are the following after 1.5 weeks of cycling:
PH 8.4
Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 40ppm
I have been testing every day and I saw the ammonia spike and the nitrite spike. I started cycling with a shrimp and just left it in there. It's completely disintegrated except for a white film left over. When I tested today I was surprised with the results. Could it really be done already?
 
contraband629

contraband629

Member
Ok but should I do a water change before putting in the clean up crew? I heard I should do a 50% change. Does it matter if the fish come first or the CUC comes first? Just curious.
 
meowzer

meowzer

Moderator
A 10% water change will not hurt...lol...and I would add the cuc first....add a small amount, test water for a few days, and go from there
 
crypt keeper

crypt keeper

Active Member
Do a 20% change. Add the cuc the next day. You had rotting food in the tank. It needs to be cleaned.
You cycle happened. Water change and go get a fish or two this week. Its ready
 
cranberry

cranberry

Active Member
Originally Posted by nissan577
http:///forum/post/3116739
it will go to 0ppm by itself.
What converts the nitrate? It needs to be removed via a water change.
Nitrosomonas bacteria convert ammonia to nitrite.
Nitrobacter bacteria convert the nirite to nitrate...
Nothing efficiently converts the nitrate except it can be consumed by algae/plants etc. But it needs to be removed. The old standard use to be 25 percent.
 
spanko

spanko

Active Member
Providing there are anaerobic areas in the tank for the specific bacteria the following is true:
"Denitrification is the reduction of nitrates back into the largely inert nitrogen gas (N2), completing the nitrogen cycle. This process is performed by bacterial species such as Pseudomonas and Clostridium in anaerobic conditions.[2] They use the nitrate as an electron acceptor in the place of oxygen during respiration. These facultatively anaerobic bacteria can also live in aerobic conditions."
 
cranberry

cranberry

Active Member
I have never found it to be an efficient enough utilization to bring the nitrates down after a cycle. If it was a well run process no one would ever have problems with nitrates, yet it seems to be a problem for most.
I tested one tank to see how long it would stay like that. The nitrates never went down in 3 months.
Does your statement come from something to do with a trickle filter?
 
florida joe

florida joe

Well-Known Member
It will go to 0ppm by itself.
I also may someday win the lottery, possible yes probable no
Once again I say denitrification via anaerobic bacteria is a slow not very effective method. Look into other methods of reducing nitrates Henry here it comes wait for it wait for it …. Such as caulerpa in a refug
 
contraband629

contraband629

Member
Originally Posted by florida joe
http:///forum/post/3117093
I also may someday win the lottery, possible yes probable no
Once again I say denitrification via anaerobic bacteria is a slow not very effective method. Look into other methods of reducing nitrates Henry here it comes wait for it wait for it …. Such as caulerpa in a refug
LOL. I was wondering about how the nitrate was going to be reduced to zero by itself. Everyone is in agreement about the ammonia and nitrite being broken down but not the nitrate it seems. I've been told for my small 12g nano that water changes are probably the best way to go about reducing nitrate.
 
florida joe

florida joe

Well-Known Member
Originally Posted by Contraband629
http:///forum/post/3117117
LOL. I was wondering about how the nitrate was going to be reduced to zero by itself. Everyone is in agreement about the ammonia and nitrite being broken down but not the nitrate it seems. I've been told for my small 12g nano that water changes are probably the best way to go about reducing nitrate.
yes in a tank that size Physical removal of nitrates via water changes is most likely your best bet
 
truperc

truperc

Member
While Nitrates at 0 PPM is certainly an ideal, I think it is highly over-rated as a requirement.
Let the flaming commense
 
cranberry

cranberry

Active Member
There definitately needs to be some in there. But if your test kit readings are just what's above and beyond want the tank is utilizing.
Your nitrate test kit reading is measuring the excess. You tank will produce and use so much, what is "floating" around in the water that is detectable with a test kit is that which is not being used and should be removed.
Most of my tanks are FOWLR, I really don't care if mine 0 or not.
 
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