jschristian44
New member
I started doing a fishless tank cycle with a piece of shrimp. Left it in there for about 1.5 weeks and then took it out since I saw ammonia levels off the chart over 8ppm. So I did 2 massive water changes and got it down to near 4ppm. But I have tested my water the past almost week now and it hasn't budged at all and zero nitrites. My nitrates are at about 80 and my pH level is about 8.0 or so. What am I doing wrong? Can I safely add a few betta fish, like one or two? They are hardy fish. I will also add 5 amazon sword plants and a bunch of frogbit because I hear it soaks up ammonia.