Ten days in, and we’re starting to see the first real evidence that the nitrogen cycle is progressing. The numbers are moving in the right direction.
Test Results
| Parameter | Result | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Ammonia | 0.5 ppm | Stable |
| Nitrite | 0.25 ppm | Stable |
| Nitrate | 0 ppm | Same |
| pH | 7.6 | Stable |
Reading Between the Numbers
At first glance, these look identical to Day 7. But that’s actually significant—the ammonia hasn’t spiked despite the organic soil continuously releasing nitrogen compounds.
What’s happening: Our plants are absorbing ammonia faster than the soil releases it. This is the “silent cycle” in action.
The zero nitrate reading is interesting. In a traditional cycle, you’d see nitrates building up. Our plants are apparently consuming the nitrates as fast as they’re produced. Classic Walstad behavior.
Plant Growth Update
Two weeks of growth and the differences are noticeable:
Water Wisteria: These are the clear winners. Several stems have grown 2-3 inches. The feathery leaves are multiplying, creating that lush jungle look we wanted.
Dwarf Sagittaria: Starting to send out runners! We spotted two new baby plants emerging from the substrate, connected to mother plants by thin runners. The carpet is beginning.
Red Root Floaters: Definitely multiplying. Coverage has increased from 30% to maybe 40% of the surface.
Crypts: Still melting, but we can see tiny new leaves beginning to emerge from the crowns. The worst is over.
Amazon Swords: Holding steady. Lost a couple old leaves but not showing new growth yet.
Java Fern: Unchanged. This plant operates on geological time scales.
Looking Ahead
Based on our research, we should expect:
- Days 12-14: Ammonia should start dropping more noticeably
- Days 14-16: Nitrite might spike as the second phase bacteria lag behind
- Days 21-28: Both should reach zero if all goes well
We’re on track. The silent cycle hypothesis is looking more likely with each test.
Status: Silent cycle continuing - plants absorbing nitrate