The new guy and his ich infested cycling tank...help

[rich311k]

You are correct on the nitrate not appearing untill you see nitrites. How many mollys are in the tank? He could be just a mean fish. It does happen.

[donttaptheglass]

Am I right in assuming there is no need to test for nitrates until I start to see some nitrites?That seems logical if my understanding of the cycle is correct.

To directly answer your question, you are correct, you do not have to test for Nitrates until after you start seeing Nitrite levels.

The frequency with which you measure your Nitrate levels is up to you and probably everyone in here has a different answer as to how often they do it. Nitrate levels are a larger concern in the Saltwater community than they are in the Freshwater. My earlier answer only reflected my personal preference in the matter. I only say that because I am kinda retentive about it and I want to know EVERY number, EVERY time. I test pH every time as well, while others don't bother after they know what the expected pH from their water source usually is.

Still others don't test for Nitrates at all once they've gotten some to show, and are content to know that their ammonia and nitrite remain at zero. It is a comfort and preference thing.

[SCFatz]

You are correct on the nitrate not appearing untill you see nitrites. How many mollys are in the tank?

Two mollys....the smaller dalmation and this fellow.

Its strange...23 and a half hours a day the black molly is super cool.Just grooving,mingling and gelling with the other fish...and looks good doing it.
But when the kibbles and bits are about gone...He's all about me me me....and he means it.

Don'ttap...Like you I will test for the all every time (have been) when they all have potential of actually being there...i just felt like I knew better considerering the lack of nitrites.


Fatz

[jcarlilesiu]

Keep in mind that testing water immediatly after a water change will possibly provide false results as tap water can contain some things

[SCFatz]

Thanks for the tip jc.I usually test before a change for the most accurate results.

I lost two fish as you may have read...one was a not so good looking (unhealthy I mean) Platy...and the other was great looking guppy.Not sure at all what happened to the guppy.

Still no ich and I'm feeling good about having it beat.You guys are a great help.Honestly.Thanks everyone.

The tank has tested between .25 and .50 ammonia over the last few days without a h2o change.Still 0 trace of any nitrites.The tank has been up for a three and a half weeks....the last week of which @87 degrees.When can I expect a change?Estimation?Guesstimation?

Thanks again guys.

Fatz

Oh...I somhow changed the look of this site making the background black.Chose a different skin I think.....but I can't remember how to change it back.Where was that button?

[jcarlilesiu]

LOL i believe its in your profile somewhere.. click on "home" and then on the left side of the screen below your sign in name there are some options to you the user. Click some of those.

Good to hear about the ammonia problem, you are basically style cycling, just keep that ammonia down. For now I would be testing for ammonia and nitrites. Basically as you see ammonia come down, you can expect nitrites to go up which are also harmful to your fish.

[SCFatz]

It was indeed on the home page...in the profile.Thanks.

[SCFatz]

Finally got some nitrites!!!Yeahhhhh...

Another question for ya'll though...The manager at the LPS is quite sure,given my stock,that the tank would do much better with some salt.Less stress,better health ect.

Thoughts?