For about 3 days in a row the ammonia and nitrite levels in my tank have been at 0. Just today, there was a slight rise in nitrate. (it is now at about 7) Do I need to do a water change? What do these readings mean as far as where my tank is at in the cycling process? I don't want to disturb this process but I am also worried about nitrates getting dangerously high over night.

Any input greatly appreciated!

How long has your tank been set up??

How long has the tank been running?

A cycled tank will have readings of ammonia 0, nitrite 0 and as far as nitrates go you want to keep them at 40 or less. So a reading of 7 (how do you get such a precise reading?) is just fine. No need ot change the water today.

Hope that helps a little. If you have more questions, please ask!!

Hi Christine,
If your tank amm & nitrite are gone to ground and the trates are riseing, your cycle is good. The trates are not as dangerouse ok, 40 ppm and under are good, its long term high levels.... the readings over 40 and higher, that can cause problems, but thats long term.

THanks guys!

My tank has been set up for close to 3 months now. My "precise" reading is more of an estimate - it's not as light as the colour for a 5 reading, and not as dark as the colour reading for a 10 if that makes any sense!

I am down to my last fish (have lost 2 in a short period of time - my posts are everywhere ) so I am a bit paranoid about keeping this little guy (a lionhead) safe.

So, I should wait until my readings hit about 40 before doing a water change? Or do I still do a water change weekly or will this disturb the cycle?

Sorry for all the questions!

Thanks again,

Christine

You can keep up with your weekly change or you can test the water & change per your tests. It sounds as if you're over the hump of cycling.

Enjoy!!

(I hope this guy stays healthy for you!!!)

Really!? It's over? I feel like laughing and crying at the same time!

I am new to taking care of fish and this whole cycling thing has really stressed me out! Many, many, sleepless nights! So I am very happy to hear that I have finally done something right (at the expense of 2 beautiful fishies ) This lucky little guy made it (knocking on wood!).

So now it's just about maintaining this water quality? And the nitrates are only dangerous if they go above 40? Just re-confirming

Thanks!!

Christine

Yup - almost all probs can be researched back to a prob with water quality! You'll have to watch your fish so see where nitrate levels need to be, but generally speaking - less than 40 is what you're shooting for.

I remembered when I first cycled. Took me 13 weeks - I was so happy when I had no more nitrites!! I'm so happy for you!!!

Yes it has taken me about the same amount of time for my tank. This little guy has really been a trooper! He's been through so much and it's so ironic because he was in the worst shape out of all of them when they were given to me. I really hope I can keep him healthy!

Thanks so much for your encouragement!

Yay--what a relief. A cycled tank is a beautiful thing!! Keep up the great work and you'll ahve happy, healthy fish!!