Cycling woes

"David McDermott" wrote in message
news:hkr3g.71547$P01.63102@pd7tw3no...
Hello everybody. I am setting up a new tank and my cycle doesn't seem to
be going so well. It's just a 10 gal tank and I put fish (2 small common
goldfish and a slightly bigger fantail) in it two weeks ago today
(Tuesday). The ammonia levels continue to rise, at last check last night
was around 1.0 ppm (probably higher now). I did a partial water change on
Saturday (approx. 25%) and will do another 10-15% change tonight to try to
help the poor guys. My tank averages about 70 degrees, perhaps dropping a
couple of degrees at night.

Keep doing the changes so the ammonia stays as a safe level. You have too
many GF in an uncycled tank. Also, if healthy, they will grow fast and will
soon outgrow your 10g tank.

I am not a seasoned veteran of tank set up yet but in my limited past
experience it has not taken this long for the ammonia level to drop. What
could be wrong?

Too many fish and too little water. GF are dirty fish that eat a lot and
pass a lot of waste. It would have been better to start with one.

I have been putting in Hagen Cycle, a highly controversial
decision, I know. Should I continue regular small water changes to dilute
the ammonia or will fresh water all the time stress the fish as much as
the ammonia?

DILUTE the ammonia by constant partial water changes - just don't touch the
gravel or filter unless there is excess food decaying there. If so, remove
it and feed less.

I've already pretty much conceded that the fish will die, they
really don't look good (very lathargic, hiding in my decorations).

Then increase the water changes and change MORE water each time.

I have
reduced feeding to a tiny pinch every other day so I know there is none
being wasted. Is this just a matter of me being impatient? The only real
difference I can think of between this situation and my past experience is
that the temperature may have been slightly warmer in my other tank
setup - I can't remember exactly, although I have never had a heated tank
so the difference would be minimal.

A 30Long tank would be much better for your 3 fish.

I would also like to extend my thanks to everyone who is so active on
here. Most often I have been able to answer my questions without posting
just by reading over past discussions. Hopefully someday I will be an
expert and able to offer my help to others in this group!
--
Koi-Lo....
Frugal ponding since 1995.
Aquariums since 1952.
My Pond & Aquarium Pages:
http://tinyurl.com/9do58
Aquarium FAQ are at:
http://faq.thekrib.com/
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