tank not cycling

[rainn626]

Hello all! First of all this has been a really helpful site. I wish I had found it before setting up. Anyways, I had some questions as being new to aquarium keeping. Unfortunealty taking some not so good advice I put in 2 clownfish to start my cycle. Its been over 3 weeks since then and I still haven't read any ammonia, nirates or nitrites for that matter. :notsure: i realize it can take some time for cycling to start, but it seems to long. All i have is penguin 150 pf and a protein skimmer(which doesnt look like its working like it should). About a week ago I switched from gravel to LS. any info will be greatly apprectiated. thanks!

 

[triga22]

Im not sure. Its not good to cycle with fish. I had this same problem .. But I was told itll be ok just becuase everything in the tank was from a previous tank that was a yr old.

 

[fedukeford]

What test kits are you using? How big of a tank is it? The test kits might be wrong (if you dont already have sailfert tests get some, one of the most accurate out there), also if its a fairly large tank 2 clowns would have much of a bioload, so you might need something else to kick start the cycle (after you remove the clowns, see if you can get the LFS to hold them till the cycle is over)
Feduke

 

[rainn626]

I have a 29 gal. and Aquarium Pharm. saltwater master liquid test kit. But i think ill go with your recommendation and get the salifert. which test should i get...ammonia, rate, rite, pH anything else. thanks for you advice guys.

 

[sepulatian]

Originally Posted by rainn626
I have a 29 gal. and Aquarium Pharm. saltwater master liquid test kit. But i think ill go with your recommendation and get the salifert. which test should i get...ammonia, rate, rite, pH anything else. thanks for you advice guys.
I use an API kit myself. It is a perfectly fine kit. Do you have LR and LS? Tell us more about your system.

 

[rainn626]

about 30 lbs. LS, penguin 150 biowheel powerfilter, berlin airlift 60 skimmer, i used instant ocean reef crystals, my ph was low so i added ph increaser. oh, and last weekend i switched to the ls i ended up taking most of the water out.

 

[sepulatian]

Originally Posted by rainn626
about 30 lbs. LS, penguin 150 biowheel powerfilter, berlin airlift 60 skimmer, i used instant ocean reef crystals, my ph was low so i added ph increaser. oh, and last weekend i switched to the ls i ended up taking most of the water out.
Ok, that may be why you haven't seen a spike yet. Your tank is going to go through some large spikes with the fish in there. Can your lfs hold the clowns for you? Clowns are hearty, but not against ammonia or nitrite. I speak from personal experience. A 29 is not going to take long to have an ammonia spike. If you have no rock and the system is new, the sand will not be able to handle the spike quickly enough to not have your clowns suffer. By suffer I mean that they will gasp as the ammonia burns their gills, then die. I do not mean to be harsh at all and please forgive me if it seems that way. I have seen it happen and it is not a pretty sight. Ask your lfs if they can hold them for you while you cycle your tank with a raw shrimp from the grocery store.

 

[rainn626]

Ok, that may be why you haven't seen a spike yet. QUOTE]
Can you specify which reason?
I'll give the lfs a call 2mrw see if they can hold them or i have a friend with a system like mine. dont know if that would be better, if the fish get along. i definatley wouldn't want to put my fish thru all that.

 

[sepulatian]

Originally Posted by sepulatian
Ok, that may be why you haven't seen a spike yet. QUOTE]
Can you specify which reason?
I'll give the lfs a call 2mrw see if they can hold them or i have a friend with a system like mine. dont know if that would be better, if the fish get along. i definatley wouldn't want to put my fish thru all that.
Yes, a cycle is very hard on any fish. Again, clowns are hearty, but they will not likely live through a full cycle. If you can keep your clowns together in someone elses tank, that would be great.

 

[rainn626]

thanks for your help! will a peeled shrimp from the grocery store work fine or what do you recommend?

 

[sepulatian]

Originally Posted by rainn626
thanks for your help! will a peeled shrimp from the grocery store work fine or what do you recommend?
Yep, a raw shrimp from the grocery store, peel the shell back. When the ammonia reaches .50-1ppm take it out. Let the nitrite spike then fall to zero. Then it will be safe to put your fish back in.

 

[bonita69]

You should able to cycle with live rock do you have any and if so how much, I see you added LS that is good

 

[sepulatian]

I am sorry, did I say WELCOME TO THE BOARDS!!!!!

Any and all questions are welcome!!!!

 

[rainn626]

Thank You for your help and guidance. Good to be in good company :joy:

 

[sepulatian]

Originally Posted by rainn626
Thank You for your help and guidance. Good to be in good company :joy:
You are more than welcome anytime!!!!!! Post any and all questions that you may have. There are many experienced and knowledgable people on this site. And I am always around.

 

[rainn626]

:thinking: I was thinking please bare with me, since my tank isnt showing any ammonia(nitrites or nitrates) will it in the future? i thought a tank cycles b/c ammonia is being produced and it takes time to before it can be converted and if none has been produced in the last 3 wks why would it peak? OR does a water change during the begining cycle throw everything off. if anyone can help clear things up for it will be greatly appreciated.

 

[fishn808]

Originally Posted by rainn626
OR does a water change during the begining cycle throw everything off.
That is probably what thew the cycle off. The raw shrimp technique will surely work for you. It did for me. Good luck and always remember patience is a virtue in this hobby

 

[rainn626]

thanx thats good advice. but i still have one lingering thought...the first 2 wks without water change i still had no ammonia readings...seems like i would have got something. any thoughts? thanks again

 

[fishn808]

Originally Posted by rainn626
thanx thats good advice. but i still have one lingering thought...the first 2 wks without water change i still had no ammonia readings...seems like i would have got something. any thoughts? thanks again
Not sure..Could you have missed it? Maybe faulty test kit? Oh yeah, don't forget to get something to test specific gravity. I didn't see you mention it above.

 

[rainn626]

maybe inaccurate test kits, but don't think so. im looking into buying some more of a higher quality. right now i have a an instand ocean hydrometer, should i consider a refractometer?