Hi all, I am new to the hobby. I just set up my 55G tank for cichlids and I am a bit confused on if my fishless cycling is working or not.
Here is my log so far...
tap water baseline
nitrite .50
nitrate 10 or 20, API master test kit color guide looks too similar for my crappy eyes
I skipped testing on days 1-2, i initially added to 2ppm ammonia
Day 3: ammonia - 0.5 /nitrite - 5 ppm / nitrate - 5 or 10?
day 4: amonia .5 /nitrite -5 ppm / nitrate 10
day 5: ammonia .25 > raised to 4 / nitrite 5ppm /nitrate 10 or 20
day 6 skipped testing
day 7: ammonia - 0.25 then raised to 4 /nitrite off the chart as usual / Nitrate at 40 or 80, def increase! hard to tell difference as the test colors are so simiar
PH has been 8.0 to 7.8 the whole time
Why did my nitrite go through the roof on day 3? Doesn't it take awhile before it shows up?
Should I keep dosing ammonia everytime it gets low?
Should I do a PWC to bring down nitrites?
I am losing water due to evaporation with my heater set on 80 and I added some distilled water to bring the levels up a bit, is that ok?
Thank you for helping a newbie!
Here is my log so far...
tap water baseline
nitrite .50
nitrate 10 or 20, API master test kit color guide looks too similar for my crappy eyes
I skipped testing on days 1-2, i initially added to 2ppm ammonia
Day 3: ammonia - 0.5 /nitrite - 5 ppm / nitrate - 5 or 10?
day 4: amonia .5 /nitrite -5 ppm / nitrate 10
day 5: ammonia .25 > raised to 4 / nitrite 5ppm /nitrate 10 or 20
day 6 skipped testing
day 7: ammonia - 0.25 then raised to 4 /nitrite off the chart as usual / Nitrate at 40 or 80, def increase! hard to tell difference as the test colors are so simiar
PH has been 8.0 to 7.8 the whole time
Why did my nitrite go through the roof on day 3? Doesn't it take awhile before it shows up?
Should I keep dosing ammonia everytime it gets low?
Should I do a PWC to bring down nitrites?
I am losing water due to evaporation with my heater set on 80 and I added some distilled water to bring the levels up a bit, is that ok?
Thank you for helping a newbie!