When should I add nitrifying bacteria?

Adding the nitrifying bacteria at the beginning gives them the best chance for success because they are not inhibited by high concentrations of ammonia or nitrite.

When should I add bacteria to my aquarium?

You need to add bacteria to an aquarium as often as you add new fish to the tank or change its water. If you change your aquarium's water once every two weeks, then you need to add bacteria to your tank two times a month. This ensures the bacteria can keep up with the waste conversion.

Can you add too much nitrifying bacteria?

Yes, you can't overdose on it. I generally use x3 times the minimum dosage. It's better to be over versus being under on bacteria.

How quickly does nitrifying bacteria work?

This process normally takes anywhere from 2-6 weeks. At temperatures below 70F, it takes even longer to cycle a tank. In comparison to other types of bacteria, Nitrifying bacteria grow slowly. Under optimal conditions, it takes fully 15 hours for a colony to double in size!

Can you add too much bacteria to a fish tank?

You can't add too much good bacteria to a fish tank. The beneficial bacteria will feed on the amount of ammonia available for it. If there are more bacteria than food, the extra bacteria will die or become dormant. A more common problem is not having enough nitrifying bacteria.

When To Add Bacteria To Aquarium - (Seachem Stability)

How do you add nitrifying bacteria to an aquarium?

An alternate method is to use fresh filter media (ceramic rings or a sponge) designed for use in the new aquarium filter. Place the media in a mesh bag and hang it in the established tank for a couple of weeks prior to setting up the new aquarium. This will allow nitrifying bacteria to grow within the media.

How long should nitrite spike when cycling tank?

After a water change, the nitrite spikes within 24 hours and then the nitrate will spike about 24-48 hours after that. However, the nitrite is still at extremely high levels even after the nitrate spikes.

Should you do water changes during cycling?

Are water changes necessary during cycling? While not essential, we recommend water changes during cycling, although opinions differ. Since bacteria live on surfaces, removing water does not disrupt their development. Water changes can help control the amount of ammonia in the first stage of the aquarium's life.

How do I know if my tank is cycled?

After testing your aquarium water for ammonia and nitrite and nitrate, if the reading shows 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, and some nitrates then your fish tank is cycled. Cycling a new tank usually takes between four to six weeks. Cycling your fish tank can take a long time.

Why do I have no ammonia but high nitrite?

Many times the bacteria can quickly handle the overdosing of ammonia and you will get a zero (0) ammonia reading but the nitrite just gets higher and higher. High nitrite is very common when you rush the process or add too much ammonia too quickly. High nitrite inhibits the bacteria and stalls the cycle.

Does bottled nitrifying bacteria work?

Nitrifying bacteria can live in a bottle for a while. Many think that nitrifying bacteria cannot live in a bottle and will say the reason is because nitrifying bacteria don't form spores like other bacteria. This is a half-truth.

How long can nitrifying bacteria last?

Nitrifying bacteria being fed a given amount of ammonia can survive for a month or more without that ammonia source and when reintroduced to the same amount they almost immediately are able to process the same amount.

How long after adding bacteria starter can I add fish?

We therefore recommend you stock the aquarium moderately with a few fish immediately after adding the bacteria starter. This ensures that enough cleaning bacteria are available from the start and neither ammonium/ammonia nor nitrite will cause problems. The fish stock can be increased one by one after 14 days.

Does vacuuming gravel remove beneficial bacteria?

The particulates you vacuum up are small but not microscopic. Your good bacteria live in your substrate deep within the crevices. Vacuuming will remove only a tiny percentage.

Does nitrifying bacteria need light?

Nitrifiers are light sensitive, especially toward ultraviolet (UV/ sunlight). Room light has a negative impact on bacterial activity as well. Colonizing the filter is therefore the preferred settlement of the bacteria, as it provides a dark environment.

Can a tank cycle in a week?

With the use of starter bacteria products, cycling time can be shortened to a week plus. After filling the tank, we recommend letting the tank soak for a couple of days without running the filter. On the second or third day, do a 100% water change then start running the filter.

How do I speed up my tank cycling?

Should I vacuum gravel during cycle?

Bacteria is growing in the gravel, too. You can clean it after the tank is cycled. Do PWC to keep the parameters at appropriate levels. DO NOT vacuum the gravel or you will destroy what good bacteria that is growing in the gravel.

How often should you do water changes when cycling a tank?

There are different philosophies on how much and how often to change water, but 10% to 25% every 1 to 2 weeks is a good rule of thumb. Small frequent water changes are best. Don't vacuum the gravel yet, as you may disrupt the good bacteria that are just starting to colonize your aquarium.

How long before ammonia turns to nitrite?

Beneficial bacteria is needed to take toxic fish waste called ammonia and convert it into nitrite and nitrate. Growing this beneficial bacteria takes time! It may take 4 to 6 weeks for the process to complete.

Do beneficial bacteria need light?

Beneficial bacteria grow fast in the dark, which is why turning off the lights. However, it is not the best idea to keep the lights off all the time since light makes it easier to see what is going on inside your aquarium as you pass by, but make sure they are off during the cycle.

How long can a cycling tank go without ammonia?

Bacteria can live without ammonia for a decent amount of time; I'd say a week tops before you start losing some bacteria, definitely 1-2 days is fine.

How long can filter media without killing bacteria?

The frequency of filter maintenance depends on many things, like the size of the filter, amount of media, and amount of food being fed to the aquarium. As a rule of thumb, we recommend setting a calendar reminder to clean your filter every 1-3 months.