Cycling Issues

[j_diaz01]

So my tank has been running for quite a few weeks. I tried using tetra safestart and it seemed to work in a way.

My readings:

12g tank
Ammonia: 0.25ppm
Nitrites: 0.00 ppm
Nitrates: 5.00 ppm

I have yet to see any Nitrites at any time in my tank. I've done weekly water changes of 30%.

This week I did two water changes to get the ammonia down to 0.25ppm. There are 4 zebra danios in their now, the temp is at a constant 80 degrees with a ph of about 8.2ph.

[emc7]

It is possible to miss the nitrite spike, but don't consider it cycled until your nitrates are climbing high.

[j_diaz01]

My ammonia isnt going down though is that normal? Does nitrite need to be there for the ammonia to go down?


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[emc7]

when the ammonia goes down, nitrite goes up. When it is all "cycled" the ammonia with go to nitrite and then on to nitrate so fast you won't see nitrite, or ammonia either.

Little tanks are tricky to cycle. One high spike and you are starting over. Watch and wait. Does the bacteria-starter once every week if you have the stuff to do it.