Tank Cycling Failed!

I was trying to cycle a five gl. tank to upgrade a CT. I attempted the fishless cycle according to Van's
Sickey , all seemed fine and to be on schedule. I did start with a large shrimp as I was having problems
locating scentless ammonia. I finally found some and removed the shrimp( it was breaking down) and I
continued with the ammonia. I did take some juice from an established filter!

The ammonia had dropped to zero and the nitrites did spike just like it was indicated, and I added more ammonia to bring it up to 2ppm and it would drop back to zero in around 24hrs. and the nitrites went to
zero within 2 or 3 days. I almost added Sterling one night but I opted to give him one more wc with salt
because of fin rot. So I added enough ammonia to bring it up to 2 or 2.5 with idea of moving him in when
the ammonia level dropped to zero again, but alas it stayed at 2.5 and the next day it spiked at 5ppm.

Wouldn't the nitrates have to be present for the nitries to go down to zero?
Anyone have any thoughts what I missed and/or why it failed?

Will one fish have enough waste to sustain filter media or should I add more fish with him to better the
chances.

Sounds like the bacteria crashed and them rotting down caused the ammonia spike. It's just going to take longer, I wouldn't add any more ammonia for now and would just wait for it to slowly get back to zero, and when it does just add a little bit so it's up to about 0.5ppm, wait to see if that is converted, check nitrite levels etc. and you'll be done.

Yes, one betta should be able to sustain the filter bacteria colony in a tank that size, if it's US gallons.

Yes its USgl. and I'll follow your advice. Thanks for the answers!

I'm so anxious to get Sterling in his new home with a couple tank mates.

What do you think tou might get to keep him company? We'll expect pictures (finally) at some point once he's settled in

I'll probably just go for whats available at the nearest lfs. Something along the lines of everyone
else! lol! Maybe pygmy corys, some type of tetras, bn's. I'll have to go through the post and see
what I can mix. I am always open to hear more options.

I guess theres always adf's, cherry shrimp. and maybe a mystery snail in each section.

BTW ammonia down to .25 today. Will test in twelve hours looking for zero. Then I'll test the nitrites
and bring the ammonia back up to .5 and watch for it to zero out. Then I'll test the nitrites again! If
the nitrites are zero I'll transfer him immediately this time.

Woo! Progress Nitrites might take a little longer to go down, glad it's working for you!

Be cafeful if you go with tetras, I had some albino glowlight tetras in with Sir when I first got him, he killed two and took chunks out of the other four, they had to be rehomed to another tank. Other people have no problems though, maybe I have an especially grumpy fish! He totally ignores the ADFs though and they're great to watch.

I just tested the water and ammonia is zero and the nitrites don't register.
I added a few drops of ammonia and will test in an hour to see if I need to
add more.

All I have to test for the nitrates is a test strip and it indicates(For what its worth) 40ppm. Of course it contradicts the liquid nitrite test and shows a small amount. Oh well.

Stupid unreliable test strips, bah. Have you put any plants in to suck up the nitrates? Good about the ammonia, it seems to be going quickly now.

Right now I just have silk plants and a half moss ball relocated in another
tank as I was afraid the ammonia might hurt it.

The test strips came in a tank deal I got used, but it also had liquid ammonia and nitrite test tubes. I plan on ordering an API test kit soon as I found it online for about 40% less than the stores around here.

I'd pop the moss ball in, the ammonia would have to be pretty strong to damage it, and it will clear the nitrates right up. The API kit is great, lasts ages too.

Just popped the moss ball back in. I haven't manage to kill it yet! I've heard they're pretty hearty.

I'm just not in a financial position to buy live plants as of yet. When I can I'll
start replacing with a few live plants. Besides the nearer pet stores to me
have sickly looking plants. Half dead in appearance already.

I've heard many folks recommend the API Test Kit.

KalandraJane wrote:What do you think tou might get to keep him company? We'll expect pictures (finally) at some point once he's settled in

I like the size and appearance of Harlequin Rasboras.

Tank seems cycled now. Ammonia and nitrites at zero again. Heater came unplugged and seems suspect
now. Will see how it is in the AM before work and will consider transferring Sterling before work.

I was running a few minutes behind this AM so didn't even test, but added a
very small ammonia as I didn't want it to be without. Came home, tested and
both ammonia and nitrites at zero. You were correct KJ and thanks!

Woo! So glad it's working is Sterling going in yet?

Not if I buy another Betta tomorrow as I bought Melafix tonight. If I'm going
treat him I'll leave him in the small hex for awhile as I don't want to taint
the newly cycled tank. He seems happy enough as long as I feed him. He's
been there 6 months so another month shouldn't be that long. He sulked for
around 10 days and wouldn't eat. I thought he wasn't going to make it in the
ten gl. before I divided it. Moved him to the hex and he perked right up. Coincidence?...I don't know!

KalandraJane wrote:What do you think tou might get to keep him company? We'll expect pictures (finally) at some point once he's settled in

Don't have to think as I picked up 4 Pygmy Habrosus. Tiny little suckers and very quick. Really liking them!

KalandraJane wrote:Woo! So glad it's working is Sterling going in yet?

Sterlings been bumped and will stay in his old digs while I cycle 10gl. to divide. I ended buying a Delta
Taillast night as I was worried the filter might crash. The pygmys are so small I was paranoid that there
wouldn't be enough waste to support the bacteria.

I'll post some pics soon as I think Elliott is a decent find.