After 6 months of perfect parameters…..I decided to change my substrate from gravel to sand.

I left some gravel rocks in there along with all the same plants and wood.

But my worst nightmare is happening and my cycle has crashed.

I have low ammonia, low nitrites and low nitrates (which I know that one is normal)

I’ve never done a fish in cycle.

I have 3 electric blue acara cichlids, 5 corydora catfish and a pleco.

I will dose prime. But how do I get my cycle back on track??? Do I add some nitrifying bacteria?

I do plan to do a water change.

Thanks 🙁

Posted by That_chik726

2 Comments

  1. Cherryshrimp420 on

    changing substrate is restarting the tank

    cant do much other than just wait and let the bacteria grow

    keep feeding low

  2. Working_Side4343 on

    Your gravel likely held a lot of the bacteria that had your tank cycled in the first place. Just gotta wait it out! Are you using the same filter cartridge prior to changing your substrate?

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