Cycle complete now what

[Brandyyyboo]

Well, my ammonia and nitrites are at zero and nitrates are sky high. I have done two 90% water changes and they are still at 40? Is this normal? How many times will I have to change the water?

 

[Rosenweiss]

That doesn't seem normal. Are you sure you're shaking the bottle #2 for 30 seconds and the whole tube for a minute? If you do a PWC your nitrates should reduce by the amount of the PWC.

 

[BldrArch]

Sorry...you're doing a fishless cycle? If so, I assume when you add ammonia, you see your nitrItes climb and then both ammonia and nitrItes zero out after a day?

I think 40 is still considered safe even though it is on the high side. I bet if you did another 50-75% PWC it would be OK. From what I've read on here, you want to shoot for 20ppm.

ETA: SOrry, just re-read you've done 2 90% PWC's already....hmmmmm.

 

[Brandyyyboo]

Yes, definitely doing the test correctly. I'm using an API test kit.

My fishless cycle took about four weeks to complete. Everytime the ammonia dropped to zero, I got it back up to 4 ppm. Since the nitrites hit zero, I've just been adding two tablespoons of pure ammonia once it gets completely to zero.

 

[Rosenweiss]

It's possible that you're reading the cards wrong (since all the reds look similar) and that you just have a TON of nitrates. Keep doing PWC's until the tube looks orange.

 

[Brandyyyboo]

Well, the lightest red color is 40 and my reading is bright red. So at best, mine are Around 40.

How much is partial? 20% 25%

 

[Rosenweiss]

Well, as long as you make sure your filter and gravel aren't drying out, then do 50% or more. I mean, 10 nitrates is really your ideal.

 

[Brandyyyboo]

Did a 50% water change and am about to test the nitrates again. Do I keep putting ammonia in the tank whenever it drops to zero to keep the bacteria alive?

 

[cichlidpaul]

Did a 50% water change and am about to test the nitrates again. Do I keep putting ammonia in the tank whenever it drops to zero to keep the bacteria alive?

Yes up until you and fish do another water change of 90% the day before then add fish