Nitrate Question

[semperfi]

Good morning all! After a week and a half of a nitrite spike (off the chart) and minimal (5ppm) nitrates, that changed today. Nitrates were a solid 40ppm and nitrites were a weak 1ppm. My question is....since nitrates are reading higher now, is my nitrite spike more than likely finished?


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[Yorg]

Hi semperfi:

It sure sounds like it is. The falling nitrite/rising nitrates sequence is the much-beloved final stage of the cycling process. When your ammonia and nitrite consistently fall to zero in a 24-hour period, you're done! At that stage you can just do a large water change to bring the nitrates down and you're ready for fish.

-Yorg

Good morning all! After a week and a half of a nitrite spike (off the chart) and minimal (5ppm) nitrates, that changed today. Nitrates were a solid 40ppm and nitrites were a weak 1ppm. My question is....since nitrates are reading higher now, is my nitrite spike more than likely finished?View attachment 263559


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[semperfi]

Thanks Yorg. I am excited to see things changing. I have a lot to learn. This morning's readings got me really excited.


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[ScotJudd]

You're not finished but really well on the way. Don't forget to top up your ammonia, the whole nitrogen cycle needs to be fed. I judge a cycle to be complete when 4ppm ammonia is converted to zero with zero nitrites after 24 hrs. Some say 2ppm ammonia if you are going to stock slowly.
Personally I keep nitrates at about 40 using water changes to bring them down and then add ammonia to bring that up to 2 or 4ppm, which ever you decide on. Just personal choice as I did read that really excessive nitrates can affect beneficial bacteria multiplying.




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[semperfi]

Thanks Scot. So these are my readings tonight after dosing to near 3ppm 11 hours ago.


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[doctordamen]

It looks and sounds like it's cycled to me! 50% water change to get the nitrates down and you're ready for fish.


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[ScotJudd]

Yes, that looks good. Really pleased for you. Enjoy your fish ?


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