Day 5 fish in cycling

[TheJT]

Ok I have a quick question. At least I hope it's quick. I'm on day 5 of a fish-in cycle, first tank. Wife went out and got test strips, I went out and got the API liquid kit. I'm doing daily water changes and sometimes back to back. After my last water change last night I'm getting somewhere between 0 and .25 ammo, 0 nitrite, and about 10-20 nitrate. Should I be seeing nitrates this early when I haven't seen any nitrites yet?

 

[rich311k]

Test your tap for nitrates just to be sure if there are any. That test is tricky and not perfect fcrom your numbers I would say you are going normally.

 

[librarygirl]

Yep, test your tap water for everything too, sometimes it can have levels of those things. You sound like you have a handle on doing the tests and as many water changes as needed to keep the levels safe for your fish. Great job and good luck!