Is my tank cycled??????

[Jason6942]

So I started a 10 gallon and was using 3 guppies to cycle. It's only been one day shy of 2 weeks and after a 15-20% WC my ammonia/nitrite are 0 and my nitrate is right at 40. To me that's perfect. Is my tank cycled and good to intro a few more fish or am I just being impatient lol

 

[KPhilly]

So I started a 10 gallon and was using 3 guppies to cycle. It's only been one day shy of 2 weeks and after a 15-20% WC my ammonia/nitrite are 0 and my nitrate is right at 40. To me that's perfect. Is my tank cycled and good to intro a few more fish or am I just being impatient lol

Nitrates seem high. I think most recommended levels are 20 or lower.

 

[KPhilly]

Are you converting ammonia and nitrites to 0 in 24 hours?

 

[Jason6942]

Oh I was told 40 or lower. Can I ask were you found that out

 

[KPhilly]

Oh I was told 40 or lower. Can I ask were you found that out

I got it from this site and this article.

http://freshaquarium.about.com/od/watercare/a/nitrates.htm

Basically, the higher you go the prawn you are to algea blooms. Also lowers oxygen. Keep in mind your tank is only 10G too. Less water to work with. You might can get away with 40 but I think 20, or around it is recommended.

 

[Jason6942]

I had 0 of both for about 3-4 days with the guppies in there and then checked the water on the 5th and had .25 on both waited a day and the same levels so I did a WC and now 0.

 

[KPhilly]

I had 0 of both for about 3-4 days with the guppies in there and then checked the water on the 5th and had .25 on both waited a day and the same levels so I did a WC and now 0.

See, I'm not sure. I do fishless cycle so I can monitor all my levels precisely. With fish in, there's only going to be as much as their is fish waste.

 

[Jason6942]

Yeah I know I really want to put more life in there but I don't want to put to much bio-load in there and crash the tank.

 

[KPhilly]

Yeah I know I really want to put more life in there but I don't want to put to much bio-load in there and crash the tank.

Exactly! Maybe give it a little more time? Just to double check. Then add super slowly.

 

[Jason6942]

Yeah maybe I should I really want to add 2 more guppies so bad thought lol. That way all I gotta do is 2 dwarf gouramis and I'm stocked. I'm so impatient

 

[KPhilly]

Yeah maybe I should I really want to add 2 more guppies so bad thought lol. That way all I gotta do is 2 dwarf gouramis and I'm stocked. I'm so impatient

Trust me, I understand! I have my 83 cycling right now and I'm working on my 210G SW tank. This hobby does teach patience!

 

[Jason6942]

That's just it I'm hella patient with everything else in my life lol. Talk about a contradiction

 

[KPhilly]

That's just it I'm hella patient with everything else in my life lol. Talk about a contradiction

Probably it's something your so passionate about.

 

[Jason6942]

I'm getting a 60 in a couple of weeks. Can't wait. Know of any good 3d backrounds or a good safe way to make one.

 

[KPhilly]

I'm getting a 60 in a couple of weeks. Can't wait. Know of any good 3d backrounds or a good safe way to make one.

Hmmmm, I'm not to familiar with 3D backgrounds. I usually just go with blue or maybe even a black on my SW to help make colors pop.

 

[Jason6942]

Yeah me either I've looked a little online and the ones you can buy(foam) are hella costly and the ones on YouTube you make are insulation board and concrete idk if that's safe?

 

[KPhilly]

Yeah me either I've looked a little online and the ones you can buy(foam) are hella costly and the ones on YouTube you make are insulation board and concrete idk if that's safe?

Haha! Well, things probably do start getting tricky when you mess with concrete. It would be a cool DIY project.

 

[Jason6942]

Yeah for sure I would just hate to mess up and ruin a tank

 

[KPhilly]

Yeah for sure I would just hate to mess up and ruin a tank

Defiantly! Is the tank used?

 

[Jason6942]

Nope brand new glass. About 48 long and maybe 20 high. It's a good size