Setting up new tank: doesn't seem to be working

[sliemm]

Hi all. I'm setting up a brand new tank system. I have new substrate, a bunch of ornaments, a new filter. I've filled the tank with water and had a couple of dead prawns in there for two weeks as an ammonia source (bear in mind I live in Australia where it is impossible to get pure ammonia - unless I want to be put on a terror watchlist ...)

So the ammonia has ramped up nicely to 4ppm, but that's where it's stayed for two weeks now, with no change. I'm waiting for it to subside a bit as the bacteria in the tank builds up, and then wait for the nitrite level to start rising. It's just not happening, and I figure it should have after a fortnight.

I haven't done any water changes, but then I've been advised not to, to keep the bacteria building up in the tank.

Any hints or tips?

 

[Skudo09]

I used black & gold brand cloudy ammonia for my tanks. I was suggested this from a member here. it is the only one I know of here to be safe. Anyway 4ppm is a good level of ammonia for a fishless cycle. Could you get some seeded material such as filter media from an already established tank you could add to yours to help speed it up? Filter media from an already cycled tank is the best if you can obtain some and add to your filter. Alternatively substrate or ornaments will also help. It can take a while to cycle a tank. A partial water change may boost it along? Here is a guide on fishless cycling which may help

The (almost) Complete Guide and FAQ to Fishless Cycling - Aquarium Advice - Aquarium Forum Community

 

[sliemm]

Thanks, I'm using that web article as a guide to setting up this new tank. It's pretty full of material already - sand, filter, plants, a log, some rocks. I'll try a partial water change and see if that speeds things up.