API Test Result Question

[jlbfish]

I was curious. We are currently cycling a 28 gallon tank. It is a fish-in cycle with 6 tetras. We have been staying on top of ammonia testing and water changing. I didn't consistently do Nitrite testing so that may be my mistake.

I did nitrite tests on 2-27 and 2-28 and they were 0. The ammonia started at .25 then went to .50 and has stayed there fairly consistently with a 1.0 spike Sunday night.

So far we have seen no Nitrites and have tested for them again in the past few days. All 0. My Nitrate test, however, is at a 5.0

So could I have just missed the Nitrite spike? I would expect the Nitrites to be > 0 when there is still ammonia but I am still really new at this.

Any insight?

Thanks!
Jana

 

[Laser]

I would test your tap water for nitrAtes, I hear it's not uncommon for tap water to have some in it.

 

[jlbfish]

Ok I ran that test you are right. There are Nitrates in the drinking water. So I assume I keep testing for ammonia and nitrites daily and just look for an increase of nitrates? Does that sound right?

Thanks!

 

[Laser]

Yep, that's what I would do. =)

 

[jlbfish]

Great thanks!

 

[xtra51]

Yah good call Laser, There tend to be many random things in your tap water. Even with these spikes, I wouldn't add any fish until your ammonia and nitrites are completely zeroed. I'm not quite sure where your skill level sits so disregard if you already knew. What are your nitrates?

 

[jlbfish]

The nitrates at are 5

 

[xtra51]

Okay so your tank is not processing the ammonia and nitrites. I would keep on the process of cycling your tank, the ultimate goal being to get everything reading zero, except nitrates of course. Hope this helps!

 

[librarygirl]

How long have you been cycling? Typically the ammonia phase is first and can take 2-3 weeks on average; the ammonia spikes then drops. Nitrites follow and those can last 2-3 weeks as well. You still might be in the ammonia phase so just keep testing and wait it out a bit longer.