Seachem Stability Stalled Cycle VS.

[dr exum]

Started these two 40g breeders on 3/17

Set up tanks all new everything -

Left tank ph 8 right 7 - both 82-84 degrees
for cycle

Ran one one day with prime after setting up.

Second day add - fritz 7 (bb) , stability , liquid ammo.

4th day had nitrites.

Day 10 added dirty cartridges from 2 other tanks into EMP 350.

I’ve been adding stability for 15 days... last time I used it tank cycled in less than 10.

I did do a 50% water change yesterday.

First two pics are early results 3/22

Current pics from today follow at bottom.
I was using dr Tim’s liquid ammo, currently out.. this pic is what I have

Options - questions for those that know ?

1. Wait it out?
2. Add ammonia to get cycle going again?
3 . Water change it away?
4. Keep adding stability or stop?

Thanks!

 

[deeda]

The bottled ammonia you chose has surfactant which is not recommended when doing a fish less cycle though I cannot remember what the issue with it was right now.

As far as your various bottled bacteria products, you really need to follow the instructions on each product carefully. You seem to be mixing the different products in the same tank so I would choose just one method.

I've not used any of the products you have tried so can't really offer any advice. What I do see from your latest test is that your nitrite level seems to be around 1ppm or 2ppm which means you may be close. Either wait another day or two to see if the nitrite drops or do a 50% water change to drop the nitrite.

 

[DN328]

If you are doing fishless cycle there's no need for prime now. I would follow the directions on Stability. I used that in last set up. Jury is out if it really decreased cycle time and I have no data why it would cause a stall.

If that were me, i would hold off on adding more ammonia as you show a good amount and now have nitrates.

 

[dr exum]

Ok,

The stability instructions say safe to add fish.

I’m inclined to not follow that.

Directions say 7 days.

 

[RD.]

The bottled ammonia you chose has surfactant which is not recommended when doing a fish less cycle though I cannot remember what the issue with it was right now.

Surfactant = detergent. Detergent in ammonia can kill bacteria, along with fish.


You might want to start over .....

 

[deeda]

Thanks RD, I had a momentary brain freeze earlier.

 

[RD.]

No worries, Dee. Good catch on your part!

 

[dr exum]

Surfactant = detergent. Detergent in ammonia can kill bacteria, along with fish.


You might want to start over .....

Thanks,

I did not use the store bought pictures jug.

Used this I initially (pictured), but ran out...
Was curious if jug was an option.

Thanks all for comments!

Gonna wait it’s out for another few weeks...

 

[deeda]

The only ammonia I've ever used when fish less cycling is the Ace Janitorial Strength ammonia and of course it took approx. 6 weeks but I wasn't in any hurry and enjoyed the process.

Glad to see you did not use the ammonia you posted a pic of. ?

 

[dr exum]

Looks like the sand 40g with high ph came around, the normal ph gravel one needs more time.

Baby Victorians Fry will be happy to have some space