Tank cycle and ADA, wild params

[NunsOnRipple]

Hey all, I've been lurking for quite some time now and after seeing so many healthy shrimp around here, I decided to set up my own 10 gal shrimp-only tank 'bout 2 weeks ago. I used about 8l of ADA Amazonia fine and reg 50/50 and planted a healthy amount of low tech plants. This is my first freshwater planted tank and first time keeping shrimp, I come from the reef side of the hobby. I finally picked up an API "master test kit" and tested to see where I stand in this fishless cycle.

 

I started with a 100% w/c after 24hrs, another 100% 24hrs later then a 50% w/c 24hrs after that and the tank has been cruising along undisturbed since then. I tried this method after reading Shrimp Farm's suggested method (since then I have seen/read ADA's recommended tactic of the month long w/c schedule). My current params for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate seem a bit excessive so I  was looking for some advice. The tank is currently planted with no livestock and I'm not sure whether I should leave the tank until nitrites and ammonia are undetectable or do a massive w/c or a few smaller ones to bring down some of the levels, especially nitrate. I'm really in no hurry and I want the tank to be very well cycled and matured before I add any livestock, I'm just very confused how these numbers are so high!

 

My eyes see ammonia at 2-4ppm, nitrite at 2ppm, nitrate somewhere between 40 and 80... did my best for a clear shot.

 

I'd really appreciate any and all advice!

[rhoagland]

Personally, I would do another 100% water change.  If you really used 8l of soil, that's a lot more than I use.  I can start 3-4 10 gallon tanks with a 9l bag, so that might explain why your levels are so high.

[NunsOnRipple]

11 hours ago, rhoagland said:

Personally, I would do another 100% water change.  If you really used 8l of soil, that's a lot more than I use.  I can start 3-4 10 gallon tanks with a 9l bag, so that might explain why your levels are so high.

 Sorry, I mis-spoke. I used 6l, to achieve a 2" depth. not much less but I'll carry out another water change and see if that helps.

[ndelo]

What's your water source? RO? Well? City?

Did you take a test of the water before adding to the tank.

 

[pastu]

i suggest that  ammonia at 2-4 ppm is fine and should  build up  the population  of ammonia decomposing bacteria. ada, in my experience, keeps leaching ammonia for about 6 weeks so need to be patient, ..safest strategy seems to be to be prepared to wait for  2 months, i would  not do anymore water changes until  ammonia and nitrite drop to  undetectable, then a large water chance to  wash out the nitrate

 and start  stocking

[turok]

fastest why to cycle your tank. 

go get someone's established tank canister filter

undergravel will make the ada soil last longer

I through my crs cbs the next day.  I wouldn't try Taiwan bee's or any sensitive shrimp.

For babies to survive you will need green algae on the glass.  That way you know there is algae on the rocks/soil for them.

Gets lots of plants.

 

[Shrimp Life]

On 10/28/2019 at 10:39 PM, turok said:

fastest why to cycle your tank. 

go get someone's established tank canister filter

undergravel will make the ada soil last longer

I through my crs cbs the next day.  I wouldn't try Taiwan bee's or any sensitive shrimp.

For babies to survive you will need green algae on the glass.  That way you know there is algae on the rocks/soil for them.

Gets lots of plants.

 

there is no fast way to cycle ADA Amazonia,as other have said it leeches ammonia for a long time. It will be about 2 months minimum before its ready.