Question about cycling

Question
QUESTION: I have a 55 gallon tank.  I set up the tank and approximately 4 weeks ago.  I ran the tank for approximately 1 week before adding fish.  My tap water tested 1ppm of ammonia.  After the first week of adding a few danios and barbs, I noticed my ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates began to rise.  Not liking the 2-3ppm ammonia level, I performed a 20% water change.  Now, my readings are still sowing no decrease in ammonia, my nitrites have fallen to 0, and my nitrates have remained steady at 5.  Could my cycle be stalled?

ANSWER: The cycle isn't stalled, but my answers require more information.  Please send me the information as to what filtration system you are using.

I hope to give you an informed answer.  To do that, I just need a few more specifics.

1.  Filtration units
2.  Substrate - what kind and is it new or used?
3.  Feeding schedule, type of food and amount.
4.  Do you have any invertebrates?
5.  Is this a straight, regular aquarium or a planted tank?
6.  Have you tested your tap water?  I would.  Please post those readings.

Thanks in advance,
Renee

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Renee, it is not a planted tank.  I am running 2 aquatech 30/60 power filters, neither are from an established tank, but my plan is to eventually move one to another aquarium.  I am feeding the fish tetra min flakes, usually 2 very small feedings a day.  At times, I wonder if they are getting enough to eat.  I have no invertebrates.  I have tested my tap water for ammonia and pH.  It tested around 1ppm for ammonia and has a pH of 7.8, using an API liquid test kit.  In an attempt to bring down my ammonia and pH, my last 20% water change was performed with reverse osmosis water from my home system.  My tank water readings are pH=8.2, Ammonia=2-3, nitrates=0, and my nitrates=5, and my tank temp is approximately 76-78 degrees.  My readings have been this way for approximately 4-5 days now and nothing is changing.  I am also noticing the formation of brown algae on several plants and other decorations.  I also noticed that from the front, the water looks relatively clear, but when viewed from the side, it appears to be somewhat cloudy.  My fish appear to be doing quite well.  They are very active.  They are not showing any signs of stress or ammonia poisoning and are not showing any signs of illness.  I can't understand why I was showing nitrites, then none considering my ammonia level is still high.  It just seems as though everything came to a complete standstill.  Shouldn't I be getting nitrites until the ammonia drops to 0??  I am confused.  I currently have 4 small danios and 5 platys and 2 small tiger barbs.  

Answer
Hello again,

Actually, it sounds to me as if it IS in a cycle right now.  What happens during a cycle is the ammonia goes up, nitrates often rise, the introduction of fish into that is a plus...although it might be a bit tough on them, because their feces and waste will feed the establishment process.

It does sound, to me, as if the water is too high in ammonia, and other factors such as cloudiness are red flags, and even though you aren't seeing high ammonia during test ratings, the brown algae, combined with cloudy water are an indicator that ammonia is too high.

I would use the R/O water, and kudos to you for that...that's a great step in the right direction.  

I wouldn't worry extensively about this.  It's a new tank, and although the cycle sounds astoundingly slow, it's not abnormal for an 6 week cycle.

You can purchase a cycle starter, to assist getting this to speed up a bit.  You should purchase the powdered starter called Biozyme, from Petco, or from your local store, as it has been a miracle for me over the years.

Your filtration units are sufficient, within reason, also. After the bacteria establishes on the biowheels (these are biowheel units, right?  If not, please consider them as replacements for these units), never wash the biowheel itself.  That bacteria will either make or break your system.

Diatom Algae - brown algae - is often caused by nitrates and ammonia.  I would be worried further about the ammonia, than the nitrates.  I would slip a couple nets of Zeolyte crystals behind the filtration pads of each filter, and let that soak up some of the ammonia, til the tank is better-established, removing one net per month for the next several months, while it continues becoming stabelized, and/or leaving a couple loosely packed nets there permanently.  I'd change them out every six months or so and would add fresh zeolyte.

I use it.  I swear by it.  So, let's also consider a third entrant...freshwater mussels.  I have four in my system and they are absolutely fantastic filters.  They live on the water and are incredible filters.

I certainly hope this helps.  :)

Happy holidays and please, don't hesitate to write should you have more questions.

Happy fish-keeping!

Renee