Back in the Game tank log

[fr499y]

I think they all do to some extent! It does break down after a couple years and needs replacing.

[SEANY PT]

Morning all.

Yeah its Stratum, as Fr499y says I also belive that all leach a little but but I read some good reviews on this one so thought I'd give it a shot. Plus it was on offer

Fishless cycle will start today as I finally get my household ammonia delivered.

Also tempted to get some more moss and a few anubias for the bog wood at the front.

[SEANY PT]

Few more pics while I wait for the munchers to show up......its always a fun wait.

[SEANY PT]

Ordered a few more plants today, amazon sword for the back right, anubia nana for the bog wood and more java moss to stick all over the place.

Test from last night:
Ammonia:2ppm
Nitrite: 2ppm
Nitrate: 20-40ppm
pH: 7.6
Temperature: about 27°C

Topped up the Ammonia to 4ppm.

Tank has been up and running for a week and I innitally was using Dr Tims (whilst I waited for my ammonia delivery) but preferred the houshold ammonia route so have now swapped over. I know alot of people like Dr Tims but it wasnt for me, I much prefer the ammonia calculator way.

[SEANY PT]

Test from last night:
Ammonia:4ppm
Nitrite: 2ppm
Nitrate: 20-40ppm
pH: 7.6
Temperature: about 27°C

50% water change done. Will retest tonight and top up lost ammonia from the water change.

Doe this look like a stalled cycle? My ammonia hasnt dropped for 3 days. I either put to much in or cannot read the colour right or Ive stalled.

[Stephen]

Only top up the ammonia to 2ppm when it drops close to zero.
The ammonia munchers will soon appear followed by the nitrite munchers 7-14 days later.
You could give the munchers a little boost by adding some Tetra SafeStart or Seachem Stability.

[SEANY PT]

I think I am just been impatient, its been so long since I done my last fishless cylce I am just restless haha.

Time to move around some plants instead

[plankton]

I'd actually be tempted to do a water change to get the ammonia below 4ppm, it doesn't need to be that high once you have nitrites, only 2ppm.
The more ammonia there is, the harder the nitrite munchers have to work, and they are slow to build up anyway.

[SEANY PT]

Yeah Ive done a 50% water change as I wanted to add more moss and anubias anyway so that will bring my ammonia down.

Tested and
Ammonia:2ppm (I dont seem to be getting any drops but Nitrite is going up...weird)
Nitrite: 5ppm
Nitrate: 40-80ppm (guessing my ferts are bumping that up)

[plankton]

That sounds better.