Nitrate 20 new tank

[shelbidavis]

My nitrate is 20ppm. Everything else 0. Hasn't gone away. What happens next in the cycling process for it to be cycled? What should I do.


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

 

[dalto]

What is your ammonia source? Is it a fish-in or fishless cycle?

 

[shelbidavis]

Fish in..sorry guys haha


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

 

[dalto]

Did you ever see an ammonia reading? How long have you had the fish in the tank?

Is nitrite 0?

 

[shelbidavis]

I never did! That's why I'm so confused. A month ago when I got the tank I used a 'bacteria in a bottle' to start the cycle. Unless the one week I didn't test ammonia, is when I missed an ammonia reading? Have no clue. Unless the tank hasn't even started the cycle, then I'm going to be angry. Lol


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

 

[shelbidavis]

Had fish in the tank for 3 weeks


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

 

[dalto]

Keep an eye on nitrates. If they keep increasing your tank should be cycled. Which bacteria in a bottle did you use and how long ago did you last use it?

 

[shelbidavis]

How much will it (or should it) increase? And it was a huge yellow bottle, probably safestart or something like that


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

 

[dalto]

How big is the tank and what is in it?

 

[shelbidavis]

46 gal. Two angels, two gouramis. 6 tetras. And one red tail shark. I understand the incompatibility.


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

 

[dalto]

I would guess about 5ppm per week depending on how big they are.

 

[shelbidavis]

Ok should the nitrate drop when the cycle is finished?


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

 

[dalto]

Ok should the nitrate drop when the cycle is finished?

No, the way you lower the nitrates is with water changes. If nitrates are increasing and ammonia and nitrites are staying 0 then your cycle is finished.

 

[shelbidavis]

Perfect thank you so much! Makings little more sense now


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice