A LITTLE CONFUSED BY TEST RESULTS

[tstenback]

Thanks Tstenback, how much longer do you think it will take from now, if i continue like this ?

As a guess, and thats all it can be because every tank and setup is different, You still have ammonia and your nitrites are still fairly low. I would guess you have 2 weeks minimum to watch that tank full of bacteria. Quite a show isnt it Anyway you have come to far to change course now. keep being patient the reward is worth it.

 

[pandapops001]

Hi

Just tested my water this morning and the results are as follows,

Nitrate 50, Nitrite 1.6, Ammonia 0.1

The Ammonia being so low, is this a good sign, or should i add more??

Regards
Miranda

 

[tstenback]

HAve you been adding ammonia daily?

 

[pandapops001]

Yes 12 drops every day, as advised, i'm sure it said 5 drops per 10gal.

Shall i add more ??

 

[tstenback]

NO! Why mess with a beautiful thing. Its working perfect just keep doing what you are doing. Right now the bacteria are using most of the ammonia you add daily to create nitrite and that is a good thing. soon your readings will be 0 for ammonia even though you will add it everyday. The nitrites seem to have picked 1.6 to peak at as they have been there for quite some time and they will soon drop off. Good Luck and keep patient.

 

[pandapops001]

Okay can i add fish when ammonia is 0, nitrite 0 and nitrate about 10,

or is this wrong? please advise so i know what to look forward to, and thanks for your help so far, without your help i'd be completely lost.

Its so exciting now that its all happening, it was very depressing getting the same results every time i was testing, and then this morning, when the ammonia was alot lighter green than previous i was so pleased (but worried also incase it was wrong)

and what 3 fish would you advise to be my first when cycle is complete??

thanks
Miranda

 

[tstenback]

once the ammonia and nitrite are back 0 for a couple of days and you have nitrate readings then the tank is cycled. do a large water change 90% then you can add fish. To answer the last question i will ask you what types of fish do you want to stock? that way we can make a suggestion about the best ones to start with. HTH

 

[pandapops001]

I dont know really, i like the colourful ones (not dyed), but i donk know what would go together in a community, i would like fish that swim in groups as i think that looks very nice and the fish look happier i quite like neons tetras, but read that they should be the last to obtain as they dont like change much