Nitrates In New Setup Tank Jumping

[sparts]

Hi peeps. I know some of you out there know the answer to this.

Set up a new tank 7 days ago 4 foot long has lots of plants fluvill 305 filter fine gravel and plant food substrate under the gravel tested my nitrates yesterday it said 5, done a test today it showed 20 maybe 40 on card hard to destinguish between the colour chart so close, i would say 20 . my question is should it jump like this at first and what should be the reading in the next couple of weeks big jumps like this or even up then down to settle when tank has matured. I have 5 tetras in there at the mo to start filter, they seem fine eating well

 

[thegnu]

hi'
you shouldn't be seeing any nitrAtes or nitrItes this early in your cycle. what you are seeing must be coming from the water source, ie tap water. http/www.bestfish.com/newtank3.html

 

[ox5477]

yes i agree....

and on a different note, you shouldnt cycle with tetras. they are too weak to be able to handle the spikes of ammonia and nitrite. Take them back to the lfs and ask them to hold the fish for you until your tank is done cycling. If you want to do a fish cycle then get something more hardy like a danio breed as they can cope with the spikes