Cycling nearly done?

[Andym24387]

So I am hoping I am coming to end of my cycle now I have got the following readings

Ammonia 0.25
Nitrites 0
Nitrates 80

Should I just do a big water change to drop the nitrates and put some plants in?

Thanks

 

[King Fisher]

That would be alright. FYI you can put plants in your tank at the beginning of a cycle as well

 

[Andym24387]

So I have just done a 40% water change and it’s not touched the nitrates at all , any ideas? Vacuumed well so nothing in the tank to cause it

 

[King Fisher]

What kit are you using to test the water? If it's API you have to shake the hell out of the bottle to get accurate readings

 

[Andym24387]

Yeh it’s API a new kit and I probably go over the top shaking the bottle for that reason

 

[King Fisher]

Weird. Do 50% today

 

[Andym24387]

All sorted still slightly higher then I would want nitrates but not overly concerned about

 

[King Fisher]

I wouldn't worry about nitrates to much until your tank is cycled and you are ready to add fish then you will want to do several water changes and get them down to 5-10 ppm.