Cycling woes

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

>
> Have you tried to cycle with goldfish before? You have too many goldfish
> to cycle a 10 gallon tank. (Or even to live there once they start growing
> well.) I would have cycled with only one goldfish because they put out so
> much ammonia and waste. Heat does increase the growth rate of bacteria,
> but they do fine at 70F.
>
> Generally, fresh water is NOT as stressful as ammonia. (If tank and tap
> are reasonably matched, dechlorinated fresh water is not stressful at
> all.) However, during a cycle when ammonia levels are high, a moderately
> sized water change with alkaline tapwater can raise tank pH and make the
> remaining ammonia more toxic. Sometimes tap water pH changes after
> aerating overnight so try that if tank and tap don't match.
>
> Stop adding the Cycle. It doesn't work very well and if you use it more
> than once, it seems to make tanks cycle more slowly. (Bacterial nutrients
> in the bottle maybe?) If you can find/afford it, BioSpira is supposed to
> be a much better product.
>
> The lethargy sounds like nitrite poisoning. Have you tested for nitrites
> yet?
>
> Add 1 teaspoon salt/gallon to the tank to help prevent nitrite poisoning
> and help your fish recover from any diseases that might be causing the
> lethargy. When you change water, you will need to add 1 tsp salt/gallon
> to replacement water as well. I would also add a dose of Aquarisol
> (copper). I find that new goldfish often have parasites that can be
> killed by copper.
>
> --
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