Cycling Question

[blt831]

1st tank, low light, low tech, 20 gallons
I’ve been cycling my tank for about 3 weeks using fish food (It’s in my office at work so I couldn't do the raw shrimp method & wasn't confident enough to try to find the right kind of ammonia). Early on I added some dirty water & some mulm from an established tank & recently, I added 8 biostars that had been in an established filter (for 3 weeks) to speed the process. I’m using an API FW Master test kit.
3 days ago, my parameters read
Ammonia: 0
Nitrites: .25
Nitrates: 5
So I figured I was heading to the end of the cycle.
2 days ago, I got my plants in (14-15) & planted them. Today, the parameters read
Ammonia: 0
Nitrites: 0
Nitrates: 0!

Did I screw up the tests or did the plants use all the Nitrates already?

 

[jonnythan]

The plants used the nitrates. Put some fish in!

 

[blt831]

hmm, really hadn't planned on getting fish for a few days, somewhere between this Tuesday & next Tuesday. I need to have a day where I have time to acclimate them & I hadn't decided on my final lineup yet also.

My ferts should arrive on Monday or Tuesday.

Ok, stupid question, can i use a drop or 2 of liquid houseplant fertilizer to hold the plants over for a few days?

 

[blt831]

ok, think I've answered my own question. Seems from more reading that non-aquarium ferts contain urea which is not a good idea for the aquarium.

I added some more fish food, hopefully that will hold the plants somewhat till Monday.

 

[marchmaxima]

Plants should be fine, and from the looks of it your cycle is done! TIME FOR A STOCKIN'!!! Congratulations!