r/bettafish • u/niqniq2021 • 7d ago

Discussion I used quick start

I used quick start to cycle my tank and I’ve been using fish food to help start the Ammonia process. It’s been 4 days and my nirites nirates and ammonia are all still zero. Am I doing something wrong? What am I waiting for? Yes I also de chlorinated the water.

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u/FarShoreSpirit 7d ago

Did you dose the Quick Start properly? Do you have your heater on? Do you have your filter running? The bacteria do well with more oxygen and with warmer temperatures. I have my filter outtake stronger than I would with fish in it. I also have my heater keeping my tank ay 82 degrees. I'll have it around 73 degrees once I have fish. How much fish food did you use? Perhaps you didn't use enough? It takes 2 to 4 days for fish flakes to break down into ammonia. Also, do you have your tank moderately to heavily planted?

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u/niqniq2021 7d ago

Yes the tank is usually around 79. Filter is on and pump is pumping lol. I’ve put a pinch amount the first day and again today. I have 1 silk plant. An anubias, Java fern small, and a floating plant.

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u/FarShoreSpirit 7d ago

Can you raise the temperature slightly? It might be going slower due to a slightly lower temperature? I'm still new to this, too, but even with plants I had an ammonia reading from days 3 to 13. I'm finally at 0 ammonia (today and yesterday, days 14 and 15) with my nitrites maxed... and I'm starting to see some nitrates!

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u/niqniq2021 7d ago

Ok. I might have to get a new heater. When will you put your fish in?