Cycle wont start.

[JackOfHearts27]

Okay, so my first run at a 72 gallon was very unsuccessful. After two months all I have is a cloudy tank and four fish that died while I was gone for four days around Thanksgiving.

I did a complete water change(thank you python, way easier) and let everything dry out and refilled it. Levels were 0 across the board, started yet another cycle by adding ammonia...however...nothing is developing. The ammonia just won't go away.
Perhaps I should get new bio-wheels? Try using Stress-Zyme again? What if I took the bio-wheel from my established and healthy tank and put it in the new one? Would the bacteria in the old tank die with a new wheel? I'm really at a loss here.

 

[Lotus]

How long is it since you started adding ammonia? What are your nitrite and ammonia readings currently?

Yes, adding a biowheel from an established tank will help.

 

[Grumpy_Marine]

ok 72 gallons, torn down and set back up from scratch after thanksgiving....

your tank won't be cycled yet, it should take a while if you are starting from scratch. But you should have some nitrites in there by now, biowheel will help, gravel/substrate/decorations from established tank will help as well. Have you read the guide on fishless cycle on the forums?

 

[JackOfHearts27]

Not even a hint of nitrates or nitrates, just tested this afternoon.

I've read the guide, yes.

If I put a new biowheel in my oldtank to put in my new one will the levels be okay in the old?

 

[hyunelan2]

Yes, the old one should have beneficial bacteria in the substrate/decorations and other tank contents. It should be fine while your new biowheel establishes its own colony of bacteria.

 

[GIS Guy]

Definitely want to seed the new tank.
Old bio-wheel is a good idea.