.5 ammonia, 5.0 nitrates and 0 nitrites???

[robinp]

i am in the middle of cycling and it took alot of cleaning but i finally got the ammonia to a not so high reading. i am really confused at why im registering nitrates and not nitrites. there is 0 ammonia and nitrate in my tap water. can anyone help with some insight?

 

[CaptainAhab]

Whoa... Back up the truck a minute...

Couple of questions:

what do you mean cleaning to get the ammonia level down?
How are you cycling?
What's your ammonia source?
What all is in the tank?
What temp?

I seriously doubt your tap has 0 nitrates. Where are you from?

 

[robinp]

i took all the new gravel out and cleaned it and i am keeping out until the tank is fully cycled. there was alot of debris all over the place (my ammonia was 8.0 +) i kept the sub from another established tank in there to get the bacteria from that.

i have 4 very patient fish in there and i have the tank at 79 degrees.

i tested the tap yesterday and it registered 0

i have the liquid testing kit.

 

[robinp]

ct

 

[CaptainAhab]

Your probably getting nitrates because some of the bacteria exists that is converting nitrite or nitrate (although I still doubt that tap water test). You should look up your water report online for your municipality.

Can't help ya on the cycling with fish thing, not a believer.

Good luck though

 

[JustOneMore20]

Bacteria will establish in the gravel, so I wouldn't leave it out. And cleaning it and stirring up alot of debri is gonna cause ammonia. I would leave the gravel in, and do small daily or every other day water changes to keep the ammonia low.

I agree, nitrate probably came from existing bacteria...probably from what you put in the tank from the established tank.

What size tank is it?

 

[robinp]

its a ten gallon

 

[Zagz]

Definately put the gravel back in and keep doing water changes for the fish's sake.