QT cycle is stuck.

[mkrosal]

I set up a QT about 3 1/2 weeks ago and ghost fed as well as added StressZyme to get the cycle going. The Ammonia spiked and then disappeared but not the Nitrites and Nitrates have remained the same for the last week and a half. Nitrates are right at 5ppm and the nitrates are around 20-30ppm. What should I do? I've tried water changes and i've continued to ghost feed but i haven't seen a change. It's a 10 gallon tank with a small powerhead and a hang on filter w/filter floss only. If i change the filter floss will it start the cycle all over again?

 

[reefkprz]

sometimes it takes a while for the appropriate bacteria to form, it can easily take over 8 weeks for a cycle to balance 3 and 1/2 weeks I would say your right on schedual. patience

 

[namas05]

Agree with the above, but what is in the QT rock/sand andything like that?
And really you do not need to continue to ghost feed once the spike has occured that is just adding to the nitrate/nitrite problem.

 

[sepulatian]

The nitrite spike takes longer than the ammonia spike to cycle through. You are on the right track.

 

[metweezer]

Agree with above. My 10 gal QT took almost 7 weeks to cycle. As mentioned, nitrites takes a while to go to zero, but you will get there. You definitely need to have patience in this hobby.