Regarding my Aqua Clear

Question
I have a Aqua Clear power filter and my 29 gallon tank is 12 days into the cycle period and I wanted to know when should I see the nitrites. My ammonia is around .25 or less. When I bought the Aqua Clear they say to insert the foam, carbon and the ammonia remover is that ok. Thanks Mike

Answer
Hi Mike,

Ammonia starts diminishing after 7-14 days, after which Nitrite will start to accumulate. Then, after another 20-30 days, Nitrate, the end product, will begin to show up.

Inserting both the foam and carbon, along with the ammonia remover is fine.

Are there fish in your tank, or are you doing a fishless cycle?

If there are fish in your tank, it is important to perform a 20% water change twice a week, to dilute and keep down the ammonia and nitrite levels, until the cycle is over. Your ammonia level is too high if there are fish in it. If you are doing a fishless cycle, disregard the above.

It is normal for some tanks to take longer to cycle. The time it tankes for the beneficial bacteria which remove toxins to establish fully (completing the cycle) takes anywhere from 3 weeks to two months. It's important to be patient, and not add more fish until the cycle is finished.

When the cycle is finished (you detect Nitrate, and no ammonia /nitrite), you can add fish. Add only 2-3 per week, to allow the beneficial bacteria to catch up to the new bio-load.

I hope this helps!

Good Luck, and Happy Fishkeeping!