Ok I got me a 20 gallon tank with a filter. It was a set and I dont know the filters name but its one of those that pass the water through 2 boxes with sponges and another one with ceramic circles.

The temperature is 70F maybe a bit more when the lights are on!

I had it running for 24 hours and then put my small 3 inche moor in. She is living happily in there for 7 days now!

I ve been testing ammonia, nitrites and nitrates every day and I havent found any traces of either yet except from nitrates! From the 4th day and on I have 3 mg/l nitrates. The same today on the 7th day when I performed 25% water change. I also use aquarium salt!

Does this mean that my tank has ALREADY CYCLED or do I have to wait more days and see?

Thank u.

Did you put anything in the water like "CYCLE" or something to kick start the process?

Nope nothing like that.... I have no idea whats going on...

Hi there,

I'm cycling a 40g and I didn't use any kickers till later and it was Bio-Spira nitrifying bacteria.
If fishie is doing ok, I would just continue testing your params, doing your water changes.
Have you checked out the cycling info on the forum page? Look in the left colum for 'cycling tank'.

Good luck and keep us posted

S~

Well from what I´ve read I came to the conclusion that u cant have nitrates until at least 20 days... So whats up with my tank? Is this possible or should I start looking for other test kits???

It is possible you have nitrates in your source water. Test the water you are filling the tank with before you add it to the tank. If that test reveals 3 mg/l then your tank has not started to cycle. Look for ammonia in the next few days.

Was the tank and filter brand new or did you get it used?

Kevin

Brand new filter... I´ll do that... Maybe you are right!

Thanks a lot everyone!

Hi there,

My nitrAtes started to show up on day 11. Check out this thread, someone else posted about the cycling of their 20 gallon.

http://www.kokosgoldfish.invisionzone.com/...showtopic=40880


By day 14 they had their 20g cycled...




good luck!

S~

Ok I just tested my tap water for nitrates and it appears it gives the same indication as the water in my tank!

So it appears I havent finished cycling yet! In fact I havent even started cause I havent seen any traces even of ammonia yet... Long way to go yet...

Thanks everyone for all your help!