Cycling with stability

[bgcat249]

Hello to all,
I,m glad this forum exists and people dedicate so much time to help other fishkeepers...so appreciative.
I Thought I knew what I was doing when I started a new 36 gallon about a week ago. Have been using Stability almost every day and fish flakes as my ammonia source. Fishless cycling. I did take some tank water from cycled tank and replaced about 50% of water. I also placed a cycled foam and cartridge from old tank into new tank.
My current parameters are ammonia 0.5, no nitrites, and 20 Nitrates.
Last 3 days my ammonia stays the same despite adding additional food yet no nitrites. Did I stall my cycle with the water Change? I am assuming the nitrates were from the water I added but not sure now. I have learned that adding that water probably did not add any BB so was a dumb move on my part.
Does anyone have an idea on where I am in the cycle? Thank you

[Carl]

Your correct that adding water from a cycled tank does basically nothing but add any parameters current in that aquarium (including nitrates)

Stability is a cycling aid, but your aquarium will still need to go through a cycle.
Reference:
brokenaquarium.com/2015/02/25/experiment-1-cycle-aids-fritz-vs-seachem/

The use seasoned filter media is the most effective method of limiting any cycling of an aquarium, but this is highly dependent upon how well seeded, and the bio capacity of the media.
Not all foam or sponge filter media is equal, with many of what I have used only having as little as 1/5 the capacity per volume as the patented AAP Hydro Sponge material.
Reference:
www.americanaquariumproducts.com/sponge_filtration.html#sponge

Carl

[devonjohnsgard]

What are you using for filtration. Things like dense foam does best for collecting the BB. Also will help seed quicker. The link Carl gave gives a good idea how long it takes with Stability and a sponge.

[bgcat249]

Thank you to you both. It appears from the graph I am premature in worrying about ammonia or nitrites. I have had a Penn Plax cascade filter running with an old used cartridge. I did put a few pieces of a Hydrsponge in there to help. I also have an AC seasoned sponge floating in there. Patience is the key. I found the graphs most useful!

[devonjohnsgard]

Great. Let us know how it goes!

[bgcat249]

I Have to say, that it is simply staggering the amount of info posted on this site. After using the links sent to me (and thinking I fully understood the Nitrogen cycle)I was simply overwhelmed by the degree of detail presented, all backed by controlled studies. Anyone who does NOT get their aquatic info and advice from here is very foolish. And I have read maybe 0.5% percent of it!

[bgcat249]

Quick question...after reading again, it sounds like wondershells
o should be present during fishless cycling?

[Carl]

Nov 24, 2016 16:10:48 GMT -5 bgcat249 said:

Quick question...after reading again, it sounds like wondershells
o should be present during fishless cycling?

Not necessarily.
If you are using seasoned with fish added (obviously not exactly fishless) the answer is yes.
But if ammonia method or fish food method is used, no

Carl

[devonjohnsgard]

Nov 24, 2016 15:02:07 GMT -5 bgcat249 said:

I Have to say, that it is simply staggering the amount of info posted on this site. After using the links sent to me (and thinking I fully understood the Nitrogen cycle)I was simply overwhelmed by the degree of detail presented, all backed by controlled studies. Anyone who does NOT get their aquatic info and advice from here is very foolish. And I have read maybe 0.5% percent of it!

That's why we like to say, we're an information provider first, retailer second. Back when Carl first started, all he had was articles, but people suggested he sell the things he suggested, so he evolved the store. Sometimes it backfires and people say the information can't be true, because we sell stuff. While we have to sell things to keep the information on the internet and current, we'll always be professional information first!