Cycling parameters question

[Shana0310]

Hi, I'm on day 2 of cycling a new filter in my 5 gallon betta tank. I changed to a sponge filter since the HOB was too strong. Today I tested the water and it was ...

Ammonia .25
Nitrite - 0
Nitrate - 0
Ph - 7.2

Seems odd to me to have 0 nitrates and nitrites with .25 ammonia.

Are these numbers ok while cycling?
I've treated with Prime to help with the ammonia.


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

 

[Fishdude3233]

the BB has to build up in order to consume the ammonia, you most likely will get even higher readings until, the BB consumes the ammonia. (theres a special name for the BB that consumes ammonia)

 

[Rpeinhardt]

Perfectly normal.

You're building two sets of bacterial colonies. One that converts ammonia to nitrite and one that converts nitrite to nitrate.

Your levels for each compound will peak in succession until you have your nitrogen assembly line fully in place. Hang in there!

 

[Shana0310]

Thanks! That's what I was hoping you'd say. I'll be patient.


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice