Who Gives A Fish Forums

My tank's been cycling for three weeks now, but the ammonia levels won't drop below 1 ppm. I'm using a sponge filter and added FritzZyme a week ago. Anyone else had this issue?

What's your tank size and water change routine? Sometimes overfeeding or dead plant matter can keep ammonia high. Also, check if your test kit's expired.

Yep, had the same weird vibe with my 20-gallon last month. Turned out my tap water had chloramines, which messed with the cycle. Try Seachem Prime if you haven't already.

wheelbob wrote: ↑Thu Jun 26, 2025 11:14 am Yep, had the same weird vibe with my 20-gallon last month. Turned out my tap water had chloramines, which messed with the cycle. Try Seachem Prime if you haven't already.

Seconding Prime. It's a lifesaver for neutralizing chloramines.

Mate, if your sponge filter's new, it might just need more time. My 10-gallon took a full month to cycle, even with bacteria starters. Patience is key, innit?

Lol, my betta tank cycled faster than my ex moved on. But seriously, maybe toss in some floating plants? They suck up ammonia like crazy.

Three weeks ain't too long, but if you're worried, grab a bottle of Tetra SafeStart. Used it in my nano reef and it kicked things off proper.

Have you checked nitrites? If they're rising, the cycle's working, just slow. My goldfish tank took five weeks once. Hang in there!

Sunflora wrote: ↑Thu Jun 26, 2025 1:48 pm Have you checked nitrites? If they're rising, the cycle's working, just slow. My goldfish tank took five weeks once. Hang in there!

Yeah, nitrites are the real tell. If they're zero, something's sketchy with your bacteria.

Cut it with the bacteria starters and let nature do its thing. Overdosing can stall the cycle. Just my two cents.