chemistry results after 2 weeks cycling

[scrmom]

I put 2 fresh raw shrimp in 75g tank on tuesday. Here are my chemisty results:
NH3/NH4 = 0.50

NO3 = 20

NO2 = 0.25

Ph = 8.4

Spg = 1.020

Temp = 78.0

So, do I leave shrimp in there and do a 30% water change now? Should we hook up protein skimmer? Please offer suggestions.

 

[roka64]

I would let the cycle go, no PWC, those spikes are part of the natural cycle. You should leave the shrimp in there, it will keep doing it's job.

 

[lando]

Let it go. Wait until you see NH3 and NO2 at zero before doing a water change. You can remove the shrimp in a few days if the smell gets to be too much. Once you see a large spike in NO3 with no detectable NH3 or NO2, you can do a large water change and monitor levels for another week. If all levels remain appropriate you are ready to go. Remember that you should add livestock very slowly at first. I would not worry about the skimmer yet. You can start using one if you want, it will not hurt anything...won't really help much either. Good luck!

 

[melosu58]

I concur dont do anything. You are well on your way. I would say about a few more weeks and we`ll be seing post about your first fish. Cant wait.