Stuck in the Cycle?

Question of the Day: Best advice you got for cycling a tank?

Hey Brittney!

First off, props to you for sticking with it for 8 weeks—cycling can feel like an eternity, but you're getting closer to that crystal-clear, fully cycled tank!

Let's break down what we’re seeing:

• pH: Looks like it's sitting around 7.6-7.8—nice and stable!

• Ammonia: Almost 0, if not there already. That's fantastic; your beneficial bacteria are working!

• Nitrite: That deep purple tells me it's still high, so the cycle isn't quite finished yet.

• Nitrate: That reddish-orange hue suggests your nitrates are climbing, which is good! It means your nitrites are starting to be converted.

To answer your question:

Should you keep dosing Prime and Stability until your tank is fully cycled?

Yes, absolutely! 🧪 Seachem Prime is essential for keeping harmful ammonia and nitrite in check while your beneficial bacteria are still establishing themselves.

Seachem Stability helps accelerate this process by introducing those beneficial bacteria directly into your tank. These products are your best allies right now!

When will the nitrites start to reduce?

Typically, you’ll start to see nitrites decline around weeks 6-8, but every tank is different. Seeing that deep purple in the nitrite test can be frustrating, but it’s a sign that your bacteria are working hard!

Keep testing with your API Freshwater Master Test Kit—it's your window into what’s happening in the tank. Once nitrites begin to drop, nitrates will rise, signaling that you’re nearly there.

Hang in there! The end is near, and soon you’ll have a fully cycled tank ready. 🎉

🎉 Save Big on Your Cycle Starter Kit!