Water Chemistry

[Ozric]

Hello everyone

Can anyone please help me. I have just brought a new 60 x 30 63L Tropical Fish tank I have filled it up with dechlorinated water and left it for one week with everything running (fluval 2 filter heater and air stone) I then added 3 Zebra Danios. The danios have been in the tank for 4 days now and look happy so far. On the 4th day after adding the fish the water chemistry is this :

Temp 25c

Ammonia 0.0 MG/L

Nitrite 0.1 MG/L

Nitrate 12.5 MG/L

Is this correct as i thought that the ammonia should be present by now indicating that the biological cycle has started. I am new to keeping tropical fish so thanks to anyone who can help me on this.


Ozric

ps what is the process of the cycle and how long does it take if the figures above are not correct.

 

[njparton]

It can take 4-6 weeks for a complete cycle and 1-2 weeks for ammonia readings to peak.

How much are you feeding?

 

[Ozric]

Hello njparton

I feed the fish twice a day and about 2 large flakes per fish each time to keep water polution down. I have 3 Zebera Danios at the moment.

 

[njparton]

Maybe feed a tad more. If there's not enough ammonia the tank won't start to cycle. Maybe feed 3-4 times a day and add some filter bacteria addative to give things a kick start.

 

[Ozric]

Thanks njparton i will try that and see how it goes

 

[thecichlidaddict]

Don't overdo it though, the health of the fish should be more important then the length of the cycle.