Advice On Cycling

[KamSandhu44]

Hi all.

I need some advice please.

I am on day two of cycling my tank with Biomature. I have been following the instructions on the bottle. I already have ammonia of 2.4, nitrite of 5, however, it looks like my nitrate could be between 50 – 110. It is very difficult to tell by the colour. Is this too high? Do I need to take some action?

Just to add, I had previously started to cycle my tank, but had to do a complete water change as there was to much dirt in my gravel.

 

[fluttermoth]

I would do a water change; very high nitrate can stall a cycle. At least you have nitrite and nitrate showing so it looks like your cycle is well on it's way.

Just out of interest, have you tested your tap water for nitrate?

 

[KamSandhu44]

I would do a water change; very high nitrate can stall a cycle. At least you have nitrite and nitrate showing so it looks like your cycle is well on it's way.

Just out of interest, have you tested your tap water for nitrate?

Hi, thanks for the reply. I have not tested my tap water. I will do so tomorrow.

 

[KamSandhu44]

I have tested my tap water and the nitrate is at 5mg/l. I have also retested my tank its definitely at 50mg/l. I am inclined to leave it as it is for now.

 

[fluttermoth]

Yes, if it's only 50ppm you can leave it

 

[KamSandhu44]

Hi all

Just took some readings today..

Ammonia 5 mg/l
Nitrite 5 mg/l
Nitrate 50 mg/l

I haven't added any biomature today but have added bacterlife as per instructions. Does the cycle look ok?

 

[fluttermoth]

It looks fine, but watch you're not adding too much ammonia. Up to three or four PPM is fine; too much higher and your get the wrong sort of bacteria.

 

[KamSandhu44]

It looks fine, but watch you're not adding too much ammonia. Up to three or four PPM is fine; too much higher and your get the wrong sort of bacteria.

I have not added any biomature today at all. I am following the instructions on the bottle. It says to stop adding biomature once I get 5-10 mg/l nitrite or ammonia, wait for it to drop to zero and fish.

 

[fluttermoth]

I honestly wouldn't go above five. Don't forget you have to let the nitrite drop to zero as well before you add fish!

You look like you're well on the way though

 

[KamSandhu44]

Thanks fluttermoth

 

[KamSandhu44]

Evening all.

Today's readings are...

Ammonia 2.4mg/l
Nitrite 1mg/l
Nitrate 50 - 100 mg/l its hard to tell.

Does my cycle look like it's ending?

 

[phantomlink]

When your Ammonia goes from 4ppm to 0-0.25, and Nitrites from 5 ( or purple the moment you add the drops or very soon after ) to 0 in about 12 hours or so the filter is cycled. Its possibly coming soon

 

[KamSandhu44]

Evening all,

Just took some readings, they are the same as yesterday.

Ammonia 2.4mg/l
Nitrites 1mg/l
Nitrates 110mg/l

The nitrates seem really high, do I need to take any action? Or shall I let things run their course?