Hi Rich,
Seems us newbies have to help each other out! lol
I have the Nutrafin kit too, although I have heard the API one might be better. It's good that you have been able to use the old filter media. From what I've been reading that should help a lot. It seems a bit odd that you don't have any reading yet though. From what i've read about the prawn method, it takes longer than using ammonia, so it's good you've ordered some of that.
I'm doing a fishless fish out cycle, as I believe it's the only ethical way of going about it. I know some people have different opinions, but we wouldn't put our pet cat through a months worth of toxins, even if they were low. But each to their own!
My readings as of yesterday (day 7) were:
Ammonia: 1.3ppm (or mg/l on nutrafin, same as ppm) This was after initially starting at roughly 5ppm.
Nitrites: 0.3ppm
NitrAtes: 5ppm
As the ammonia had dropped, I decided to add a further 3ml of Homebase Ammonia to bring the level back to roughly 4ppm. I'm going to retest now to see if there has been any difference.......
The levels on day 8 (today) are:
Ammonia: roughly 3.5ppm maybe? It's hard to read the colours sometimes, plus it's been less than 24 hours. But it does look a bit lower.
Nitrites: Appear to be edging towards 0.5ish
NitrAtes: Maybe about 6-7ppm
As I say, considering I haven't left it that long, I guess there wouldn't be too much difference. But definitely a small noticeable one!
Let me know how yours is looking!
what do u think I should stock it with?? I already have a tiny angel, and a school of 10 neon tetras ( in another tank that has been cycled) thanks!!
