Questions About Chemistry, Water Changes

[Beth_Laubenthal]

I have a 10 gallon tank that I just got cycled about 2 weeks ago. It has 2 otos, 2 mollies, 2 platties and about 8 molly fry. As soon as the fry are big enough not to be eaten by goldfish, the chiro I go to is willing to take a few. Just will have to find homes for the rest.

Anyways, I took measurements of my tank chemistry:
Temp: 79/80 degrees
PH: 7.6
Nitrites: 0
Ammonia: 0
Nitrates: 10

First question: are the nitrates okay?

Second question: how often should I vacuum my gravel? I do feed a raw diet. Just purchased two new foods. Getting rid of the bloodworms (this particular batch, the worms are too big for my betta (in a separate set up) and community fish to eat). So, I'll be/am feeding: mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, daphnia and tubifex worms. I know a raw diet is harder on tank chemistry.
Thanks!
--Beth

 

[doresy]

Nitrate level is fine, in fact great (I get 40ppm from the tap!)

As far as how often to do a gravel vac, most people use a gravel vac to take out water when doing a partial water change so that's your answer.

 

[Beth_Laubenthal]

Nitrate level is fine, in fact great (I get 40ppm from the tap!)

As far as how often to do a gravel vac, most people use a gravel vac to take out water when doing a partial water change so that's your answer.

Thank you. Like I said, this is my first tank ever. I just want to make sure I'm doing everything correctly. Thank you for the reply!