Help with water parameters

[smackitsakic]

Still trying to know for sure if my tank is cycled. It’s a 50 gallon.

I did a 30% water change 24 hours ago and just tested it. I have a small parrot Cichlid and a small common pleco in it (working to rehome him).

Results
Nitrite - 0
Nitrate - 0
Ammonia - 0
PH - 7.8

I checked and my nitrite and nitrate are both 0 right out of the tap.

So what does that mean? Can I assume I’m in the clear if my ammonia is still 0 approximately 24 hours after a water change?

 

[Lajos_Detari]

I think a small Parrot fish and Pleco will have very little impact to your 50gallons tank.
Probably the ammonia tht they produced will be too little to be detected. (just my guess)

 

[itiwhetu]

Is this tank planted?. How long has it been cycling?

 

[smackitsakic]

Is this tank planted?. How long has it been cycling?

No it’s not planted. Cycling for over 3 weeks and started with some established media. I’m pretty certain I’m in the clear.

 

[hansgruber7]

Aren't nitrates usually above zero in a fully cycled tank though? Please correct me if I'm mistaken.

 

[smackitsakic]

Aren't nitrates usually above zero in a fully cycled tank though? Please correct me if I'm mistaken.

Yah that’s what I was wondering too. I’m guessing two small fish in a big tank, plus a fresh water change, may have put nitrates to 0. They were at 10 before I changed water.

 

[hansgruber7]

Got it. From what I can tell I think you're in the clear then.

 

[smackitsakic]

Got it. From what I can tell I think you're in the clear then.

Yah I just tested again and my nitrates are over 10 and ammonia/nitrites are 0. Yay. I’m glad because I’m going to be near a good fish store this weekend and can stock my tank.

 

[Essjay]

Don't forget that your tank may only have enough bacteria to support the fish in there now. If you add too many fish at once you may well find yourself doing a fish-in cycle until the bacteria catch up. I would only add a small number of fish the first time to be on the safe side.