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Hi,

I have been IMpatiently waiting for my tank to cycle. (Going on Day 34...). My water was a bit cloudy at first, as expected, but has since been fairly clear. I have 3 platies in there since day 8. My tank went through a bout with ich about 2 weeks ago, and during that, I finally started getting readings of NitrIte. yesterday, when my hubby and I came home, the tank seemed crystal clear. So I was anxious to do my testing. But it had been the same as the night before (Ammonia 0-0.25, NitrIte 3, NitrAte 50, ph 7.6, Temp 82F). I added Cycle on 8/14, and I added it again the other night. Is my tank toward the end of the cycle (as in days) or do I still have weeks to wait???

Other info may be in my profile, if needed. If not, ask.

Thanks!

Clear water is not a sign, when you have no Ammonia and Nitrite and small amounts of Nitrates it will be cycled

I know that my tank is not cycled until I have no ammonia and no Nitrite, just wondered if the clearer water was a sign that it was getting closer....Im just anxious I guess. Been getting the same readings for about a week now. Ammonia 0, NitrITe 3, NitrAte 50, ph 7.6. So was just wondering if it was going down soon.

Just keep doing what you have been doing and it will go if you give it time

That is a long cycle, but like perky said there's no way to tell for sure other than by tests. Some cycles take alot longer then others it can depend on bioload, temperature, and if any water changes had been done. I've heard people who've used Cycle have slightly longer cycles, although there is a very real possibility that they were using it wrong . I know it takes time, but hang in there .

^_^

JW, what fish you planning on having in it?

Right now I have 3 platies and at least 15 platy frys (unexpected). Once it is through cycling (if that ever happens ) I would like to add 1-2 dwarf or honey gouramis, then once they are acclimated to the tank, and everything is okay, I will be adding 6 cories, probably albino. Then once they are okay, I will add probably 8 cardinal tetras. (that is what was suggested to me by the wise people on FP, so I'm goin with it ) Do you think I could start to add the gouramis before I have no nitrites??

Having clear water isn't necissarily a sign.
Cloudy types of water can be caused by several things.
Your test kits are what will tell you when you are near the end of your cycling process.

It's really not a good idea to add fish while the tank is cycling, especially ones that aren't cycly hardy. I know it's tough, but you'd be putting fish into a very stressful environment if you were to do so.

^_^

Darn it, I knew that was going to be the answer Okay Okay, I will patiently ]:| wait for the tank to cycle. Meanwhile the lps will have to deal with me wandering aimlessly staring into the tanks. "No, Im just looking, again"

Tank has been up and running for 37 days, with fish for 30 days... poor things are going to have more babies soon. (They were born 29 days ago, gettin big).

AND.. I absolutely know that my tank is not cycled UNTIL all my ammonia and nitrites are at zero. I was just wondering if the clearer water was a 'signal' that ammonia and nitrites would soon be zero. I think Babel mentioned that yes, the clearer water indicated that the bacteria has started to settle... and it could be any day now... or could be weeks.. :%)

Thanks for everyone's advice. Once the tank is cycled, I will probably stop asking the questions... maybe. lol

Once the tank is cycled, I will probably stop asking the questions...

Na you wont, believe me

I have a feeling what happened with your tank is that the fry caused an additional mini-cycle. Yes the water turning clear and losing the funny smell does let you know that it's moving on in the process, however it's not quite a sure way of knowing that it's done, not anymore anyway .

No, Im just looking, again

No worries, I do that too.....just because you're not getting anything doesnt' mean you shouldnt' fully inspect all the tanks .

^_^