55gal Cycling Question:

[Kay2lynnS]

Cycling Question:

We did the waterchance. As seen above. Here are the water readings we got from the past few days...

Oct. 17 (after WC)
Ammonia: 0
pH: 7.4
Nitrite: over 5ppm (can't read it off the chart.)
Nitrate:10-20ppm

Oct.18
pH: 7.6
Nitrite: 5ppm (again above the reading chart)
Nitrate:80ppm

Oct. 19
pH: 7.6
Nitrite:5ppm chart (guess what? Still above the chart. )
Nitrate: 10ppm

Why did my nitrate lower so fast past my Nitrite???
Help me please!

 

[Khij159753]

Try testing some tap water. Your test kit could be faulty.

 

[jlk]

This is on your 55g, correct? I would double check your test results & make sure your really banging/shaking those nitrate bottles and that your ph has not dropped. Testing error aside, I have seen this happen before but it usually coincides with a ph drop. Are you using both the regular & high ph tests? 7.6 on the regular ph test means your ph may be 7.3 or 8.8- a 'blue' reading needs to be double checked with the high test.

Also, when the nitrite levels reach insane levels they will inhibit your good bacteria & stall a cycle. My suggestion would be a big water change to drop your nitrite levels down to a readable number. Under 2ppm but under 1ppm would be better. Then just add 1ppm of ammonia and lets see how things look in 24hrs.

 

[Kay2lynnS]

So I tested the water again today. And thwarting nitrate levels jumped!
Nitrite: still at 5.0ppm
Nitrate: 80 or 160ppm (mom and I have different opinions...)

So that jumped a whole lot...
We still did a 50% waterchange.

Will tell you the test results in a few hours.

 

[Kay2lynnS]

After a 50% waterchange:
pH:7.6
High pH:7.4
Nitrite: 5ppm
Nitrate:10ppm

Going to add some ammonia.

 

[Kay2lynnS]

Nitrites are still high the 55gal.
But it hasn't been 24 hours yet...

 

[Kay2lynnS]

Nitrites still high. Going to do a larger water change. We have 3 bio filters in the 2 filters we have. Should we take one out? Will that help any?

 

[jlk]

No need to take anything out. How high have you been dosing your ammonia?

 

[Kay2lynnS]

No need to take anything out. How high have you been dosing your ammonia?

Only up to 1-.50 ppm on October 22nd.

 

[jlk]

How do your numbers look today?

 

[Kay2lynnS]

How do your numbers look today?

All cycled!! did an 80% water change yesterday!