Switching from fishless to fish-in cycling. Should I do it?

[jellyfish123]

Hi all,
My fishless cycle seems to be going terribly wrong.
I started the tank on the 1st of Dec, added Continuum Bacter Gen M (LFS recommended) and dosed ammonia to 2ppm.
After 10 days, ammonia was still at 2ppm. I then got a 200ml bottle of Fritzyme 9 on the 10th day, added that, still 2ppm as of today.
Two days ago, i went to the LFS and he recommended 50% water change and sold me some pre-cycled bioballs.
Post water change and adding pre-cycled media, ammonia went down to 0.5ppm. However, its been at 0.5ppm since.
So the ammonia drop was due to the water change and not the bacteria. No nitrates, no nitrites. Salinity is a 1.026.
My question is, do I just do another water change and get ammonia to 0 and start a fish in cycle from scratch?
I am patient but the kids are asking everyday for clownfish before Christmas and its not looking good so far.
First time doing marine and I wanna make sure I don't mess things up.

Sand: Aqua Forest Bio-Sand
Biological Filtration: Seachem Matrix 1 Litre
Tank size: 25 Gallons
Rock: Marco Rock


Thanks guys!

 

[EliMelly]

Don’t do a water change during a cycle, I would use the Fritz turbo start and the nitrifying bacteria that they have that comes with it. Should cycle within a couple days max.

Also what test kit are you using? I suggest salifert for ammonia.

 

[fishywishy]

Stop doing water changes, you’re just delaying the cycle more. It’s only been two weeks, it’s normal that it hasn’t cycled yet. Although, since you added the bio balls it should be cycled very soon, if not already. What test kit are you using? it could be a testing error.

I’m sure it will cycle before Christmas, but if not just be patient, your kids are going to be a lot more sad if your fish die right after you put them in.

 

[jellyfish123]

Don’t do a water change during a cycle, I would use the Fritz turbo start and the nitrifying bacteria that they have that comes with it. Should cycle within a couple days max.

Also what test kit are you using? I suggest salifert for ammonia.

I've tried looking for the turbostart here in Australia but i cant seem to find it. That was the brand i wanted to go with. I'm using API test kit at the moment. I wont do anymore water changes, thanks for your input!

 

[jellyfish123]

Stop doing water changes, you’re just delaying the cycle more. It’s only been two weeks, it’s normal that it hasn’t cycled yet. Although, since you added the bio balls it should be cycled very soon, if not already. What test kit are you using? it could be a testing error.

I’m sure it will cycle before Christmas, but if not just be patient, your kids are going to be a lot more sad if your fish die right after you put them in.

I've only done one water change because rhe aquarium dude said 2ppm of ammonia probably killed all the beneficial bacteria. I wont do anymore and just see where things lead to. Im using API test kits. Might take it to the lfs for a proper test one day, a different lfs maybe. He sold me pre seeded media but i was given them without water, didn't dry out on the drive home and he assured me its fine to just transport those bioballs withour water so hopefully hes right!

 

[Borat]

Dude, just drive to the coast and pick some live sand and a couple of rock rubble and add it to your tank..

 

[fishywishy]

I've only done one water change because rhe aquarium dude said 2ppm of ammonia probably killed all the beneficial bacteria. I wont do anymore and just see where things lead to. Im using API test kits. Might take it to the lfs for a proper test one day, a different lfs maybe. He sold me pre seeded media but i was given them without water, didn't dry out on the drive home and he assured me its fine to just transport those bioballs withour water so hopefully hes right!

I would find a new fish store.

I would also use a different test kit if you can, it could be a test kit error.

 

[EuphyllinOHk]

I've only done one water change because rhe aquarium dude said 2ppm of ammonia probably killed all the beneficial bacteria. I wont do anymore and just see where things lead to. Im using API test kits. Might take it to the lfs for a proper test one day, a different lfs maybe. He sold me pre seeded media but i was given them without water, didn't dry out on the drive home and he assured me its fine to just transport those bioballs withour water so hopefully hes right!

You can only really stall out your cycle by adding too much ammonia but that's 4+ ppm. Your biological filter/nitrifying bacteria will only really "die off" if you put certain fish medications in the tank, put water with chlorine/chloramine in the tank (possible if you're not using RODI water), or empty your tank and sit in in the sun. The closest you will get to an "instant" cycle is to use cycled media or live rock (from a trusted source). Bottled bacteria has high upside and isn't bogus, but isn't a guarantee. It works, but not as effectively and reliably as "cycled media". API test kits are known to be unreliable. Salifert seems to be the go to for ammonia, with Hanna (if you have the cash) and Red Sea being alternatives for test kits.

I think you should be fine with the bioballs and the bottled stuff - you're doing the best version of cycling IMO. Don't do any water changes, get a more reliable test kit, and take your time. You're kind of taking the path of least resistance with cycling, you just need some time.

 

[Lasse]

15 Steps to Starting a Saltwater Aquarium: The Lasse Method

15 Steps to Starting a Saltwater Aquarium: The Lasse Method Display Tank. Photos are all courtesy of Lasse Forsberg. ©2019, All Rights Reserved. INTRODUCTION There are many methods to start a saltwater aquarium--each major aquarium product manufacturer has its own. Common to most, however...

www.reef2reef.com

Sincerely Lasse

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

Cycling with a fish in such a small tank like a 20 gallon is going to be harmful to the fish possibly even kill it. So if you're doing it for the kids, I'm sure they won't want their first clownfish to die, so please cycle the tank before adding a fish.

Do you have rocks and a powerhead in the tank? Can we see a pic of the tank to see if its correctly built? Your comment about using matrix for filtration makes me curious, we don't use media for biolfiltration, the rocks are the biofilter.

 

[Lasse]

Cycling with a fish in such a small tank like a 20 gallon is going to be harmful to the fish possibly even kill it. So if you're doing it for the kids, I'm sure they won't want their first clownfish to die, so please cycle the tank before adding a fish.

Do you have rocks and a powerhead in the tank? Can we see a pic of the tank to see if its correctly built? Your comment about using matrix for filtration makes me curious, we don't use media for biolfiltration, the rocks are the biofilter.

Your facts about this? Please see my linked article. Done this with aquariums from 20 L to 130 000 L many times - no dead fish if you do as described in the article.

we don't use media for biolfiltration

What do you mean with "We" - I do at least and many more people around the world.

Sincerely Lasse

 

[jellyfish123]

Dude, just drive to the coast and pick some live sand and a couple of rock rubble and add it to your tank..

Thats actually genius! Im hitting the beach this weekend anyway, i might try to find a rock or two lol

 

[jellyfish123]

15 Steps to Starting a Saltwater Aquarium: The Lasse Method

15 Steps to Starting a Saltwater Aquarium: The Lasse Method Display Tank. Photos are all courtesy of Lasse Forsberg. ©2019, All Rights Reserved. INTRODUCTION There are many methods to start a saltwater aquarium--each major aquarium product manufacturer has its own. Common to most, however...

www.reef2reef.com

Sincerely Lasse

Thank you, I'll check this out! Appreciate it Lasse!