[monsterM]

Hi guys,

I have started cycling my tank about 6 days ago with fish. My ammonia levels has increased over the past few days and is now 2.0. I tested the water today and I can see that the nitrite is about 0.15. My question is if there is nitrite present now, does that mean that the ammonia level has peaked and will I expect it to decline soon? Also my salinity is at 1.020 and PH is between 7.8-8.0.

thanks
Mo

[Reefland]

Hi Mo!

First of all you should not cycle a tank with fish, it's kind of cruel to put them through the stress of living in unfavorable conditions. You should really consider removing them and returning them to the place you purchased them until after your tank is cycled.

For the cycle itself, it is possible that the ammonia has peaked but not definite. Just continue to monitor the ammonia and nitrites until they are both undetectable.

Lastly, consider raising your salinity a little bit, I think 1.022 or 1.023 for a FO is better.

Scott Z.

[monsterM]

Thanks for your speedy reply. But in regards to taking the fish back would be very difficult. My lfs is is a little over an hour away and getting out there is a real hassle. The type of fish I have are two clowns. I have a 5gal hospital tank. Can I put the fish in there if they start to get stressed? Right now they look great they are swimming around together and still have a hardy appitite. Also does anyone know how well ammonia detoxifiers work?
I don't want to put them in my tank but I do not want to stress out my fish. One more question, does ammonia detoxifiers like ammo-lock and amoqul slow the cycling process?

[Reefland]

I think the hospital tank would be a better place than a tank with high ammonia and nitrite levels.

As far as media to remove ammonia, I have never used them nor have I heard of others using them to speed the cycle which leads me to beleive they do not work.

Scott Z.

[monsterM]

Thanks again. I just wanted to make sure that I set up my hospital tank right. I have a 5 gal is that big enough for two clowns for the rest of the cycle which can range any where from days to weeks? Other than a heater which I have for it what other equipment would I need to provide the best environment for my clowns? Also would I need some of the sand from the tank or gravel?

thanks,
Mo

[patsfan1130]

Originally Posted by monsterM

Thanks again. I just wanted to make sure that I set up my hospital tank right. I have a 5 gal is that big enough for two clowns for the rest of the cycle which can range any where from days to weeks? Other than a heater which I have for it what other equipment would I need to provide the best environment for my clowns? Also would I need some of the sand from the tank or gravel?

thanks,
Mo

Is your hospital tank established? Or are you simply going to fill that with water now?

None of the ammonia removers on the market will speed up your cycle nor will they make the tank hospitable for fish. I agree with Scott. It is exceptionally cruel to cycle a tank with fish in it. But whats done is done.

Get a power filter and a heater for the hospital tank and wait it out. Cycling a tank can take anywhere from a few days to a few months.

Mark