ammonia readings

[samuel]

Is it safe to say that if my ammonia readings are 0 then the nitrates and nitrites are under control??

 

[rachel21]

not necessarily! if your cycling you could haev got past the ammonia spike but still be going through a nitrite or nitrate spike. someone else can explain more than i can

 

[daza]

exactly as rachel21 says.

it is different bacteria that consumes the ammonia and nitrites, so the readings can be independant. Nitrates can only be kept under control by regular partial water changes (and plants to an extent).

 

[gaya]

Definitely get your self some test kits and you’ll know if you’re in the safe range.