Billies 93 cube

So the other day I added six frozen food cubes to the tank hoping that that would start a cycle for me. The next moring I tested the water and no joy.. So u decided to let the water "fester" for a day or two, and then test again. I only tested ammonia and pH, I got 2ppm ammonia, and 7.8 pH. So it's started with the frozen food. And I think ill add like a cube every other day till theres enuff bacteria to keep up with it, but my pH being so low bothers me. I know that 7.8 isn't dangerously low, and that consistancy is more importaint than a higher number, but I'd like it to be stable around 8.2 Any thoughts?
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I think that you need to check you ALK as well. The go hand-in-hand from what I understand. My PH stays around 7.8.

 

Remeber when my tank was cycling. and my ph keept droping. I found out that when amonia goes up ph drops. Rember I used your ph buffer to counter it. Calm down and wait. That's what u keept telling me. Now its my turn.

 

Haha thanks woods, hooya
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just give it time. they will come, they always do.

 

Diatoms usually show up towards the very end of the cycle. They are a really good indicator that you are either done or close to being done with your cycle. Do you have nitrites yet?

 

yup...another 2 weeks minimum.8)

 

i thought diatoms came as soon as amonia was there, and would go away when ammonia wasnt there anymore, vis-a-vis, no more cycle

anyways heres an update for you guys, kinda boring update, but waiting on the cycle is only so much fun ya know.... haha

 

9 March: cycle started
10 march: 2ppm ammonia, 0 nitrite, 0 nitrates.
11 march: 2ppm ammonia, 0 nitrite, 0 nitrates.

waited a few days

16 march: 2ppm ammonia, 0 nitrite, 0 nitrates.....
20 march: 2ppm ammonia, 0 nitrite, 0 nitrates............


what am i doing wrong? is it too late to add somthing like Dr. Tims?

 

Patients bro, let it do it's thing. There is no set time on when your cycle will end, some take longer than others for various reasons. If your adding food during the cycle this could and usually will prolong the cycle. I wouldn't add anymore chemicals than I had to, natural is best, for me anyway. Diatoms will show up quickly and feed off of the silicates in the tank, they will go away about as fast. I wouldnt worry about any levels right now other then your cycle levels, get through your cycle first then start to adjust things if there not where you want them. Your system is a virgin and will go through many changes along the way. Not saying your not, but patients is one thing this hobby requires nomatter who you are or what equipment your running. Slow and stable always turns out better in the end !!!!!