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Sherie · 04-24-2001, 01:45 AM

Well, the good news is that it looks like you are near the end of your cycle. *Since you are already showing a nitrate level, that means that the bacteria that converts nitrites to nitrates is starting to form. *Water changes do not really affect your cycling time. *The majority of the bacteria that you are establishing in your cycle will be growing on your filter media, gravel and tank decorations. *My cycling experiences have normally taken 5-6 weeks and I always do water changes to keep ammonia and nitrites at safe levels for the fish. *Danios are a hardy fish, and making it through the ammonia spike is the hardest part of cycling with live fish, in my opinion, so you've done great. *You can keep the nitrite levels down by water changes every other day (or more often if needed) and watch the fish for signs of stress. *I have a feeling though, that your cycle will be completed soon - your nitrite-to-nitrate bacteria just need to get a little better established and you're on your way. *Keep us updated and good luck!

04-24-2001, 01:45 AM	#3 (permalink)
Sherie Teenie Weenie Fish Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 1	Re: the ENDLESS tank cycle... Well, the good news is that it looks like you are near the end of your cycle. Since you are already showing a nitrate level, that means that the bacteria that converts nitrites to nitrates is starting to form. Water changes do not really affect your cycling time. The majority of the bacteria that you are establishing in your cycle will be growing on your filter media, gravel and tank decorations. My cycling experiences have normally taken 5-6 weeks and I always do water changes to keep ammonia and nitrites at safe levels for the fish. Danios are a hardy fish, and making it through the ammonia spike is the hardest part of cycling with live fish, in my opinion, so you've done great. You can keep the nitrite levels down by water changes every other day (or more often if needed) and watch the fish for signs of stress. I have a feeling though, that your cycle will be completed soon - your nitrite-to-nitrate bacteria just need to get a little better established and you're on your way. Keep us updated and good luck!