New tank cycle questions!! Need help!!

j_mcgreggor · 11-10-2009, 08:16 PM

OK I hope someone can help me....

I have a NEW 20 gallon tank. My PH level has constantly been at 8.0. I know it's a little high. It has been cycling since Thursday the 5th of November. So 5 days so far.

OK here is my problem. I am cycling with 4 zebra danios (I was told these are very hardy fish for this process) MY ammonia level is at .25-.50 and the fish seem to be doing fine. I am feeding LIGHTLY once a day. I still haven't gotten any Nitrite readings yet. Should I be worried about the Ammonia level at this point? I know I need ammonia for the bacteria. ALSO my PH level seems pretty high. I've been reading that a lot of tropical fish need 6.5-7.0 PH.

I also have a few live plants that I have planted. I'm sure they haven't established themselves in the tank yet. Is it a good idea to have new plants in there during this process??

ALSO! Do I need to do any water changes during the cycling process. I'm worried that the ammonia may kill the fish even though they still do not have any signs of distress.

THANK YOU SO much!!

fishtanker · 06-04-2010, 04:44 PM

hi, i am not an expert here but out of common sense, since you have live fish in there and the ammonia is rising or constant at high ppm, you should add some bacteria to it from the pet store. This way at least it will trigger the cycle... i am also worried about the fish.

Judge · 06-04-2010, 07:12 PM

Please check out the OLD dates...I have a feeling his tank has cycled by now!!!

But, in the interest of pure info, No added bacteria is not necessary. The cycle will "trigger" without it due to ammonia.

fishtanker · 06-04-2010, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Judge

Please check out the OLD dates...I have a feeling his tank has cycled by now!!!

But, in the interest of pure info, No added bacteria is not necessary. The cycle will "trigger" without it due to ammonia.

Ah ok, well the posts are still on the page so didn't look at the dates

Judge · 06-05-2010, 08:45 AM

No problem. Old posts are not removed, they are here for research and learning. You can always open a new thread and offer insight. We welcome thoughts and ideas.