What is causing white spots in tank during fishless cycle?

Question

I have been cycling my 120 gallon tank for 3 weeks now. Started with 6 zebra danios for 2 weeks and found out about fishless cycling so returned danios before they were killed by the ammonia. A few days after putting in ammonia to 4-5 ppm I started noticing white spots on filter head and on live plants and a few decorations. Should I let them go for now and clean after fishless cycle is done? I am in the Nitrite stage right now.

I am using clear ammonia hydroxide took all fish stuff out except plants. I made sure it had no surfactants, purfumes or colors added.

Answer 1

Good on yer for fishless cycling,more people should learn about this. It's much better for the future fishes.If the spots are cottony- looking they are probably a fungus of some sort. The fish will probably take care of them if that's what they are. If the spots were only on the plants I'd guess that they were ammonia burns,but since they are on the power head also probably not.Your nitrobacter colony should be complete in another 2 or 3 weeks,then go slow in adding fish, although with a nice big tank like that, the numbers will be much higher than with a 40 or 50 gallon tank. Much good luck and I wish you a beautiful tank. PeeTee

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Are you putting in pure ammonia, or are you feeding the tank with fishfood?
Uneaten food has a tendency to mould and fungus and they look like little white pieces of cotton. Could that be what this is?
However this is unlikely if you're putting pure ammonia int othe tank.
I would wipe them off as you see them, anyway.

Answer 4

you realy dont need to do this cycle thing .just get some stress zyme.its a boilogical filter booster! the good stuff in a bottle. get some more cheapy fish to feed the good bacteria till u know its safe for your perm residents

Answer 5

im not sure.....