Water Parameters.

[75Gallons]

Im a few days into my cycle and I tested today with these results.

9/3/07 Water Parameters
Nitrate 0-5ppm
Nitrite 0 ppm
Ammonia 0.50 ppm
pH 7.8
Specific Gravity 1.021


Is it time for a water change if so what %? I know my salinity and pH are low but curious about whether the Nitrates are acceptable.

[SquidHC]

Don't do any water changes while your tank is cycling. Once your ammonia spikes and falls, you should go through two cycles of algea (can be small, or very large if you used tap water) After that algea bloom is gone, your tank is done cycling. Ill try to find you a cycling draw out of the stages.

[hmello@bermexin]

I found this when I was setting up my tank and found it a useful tool. This is a typical cycle, not all tanks will experience this timeframe depending on rock and sand condition when added to tank. But it is a good timefram to follow to ensure you have completed the initial cycle and what to look for as it cycles.


Day 1
All readings should be near zero.

Day 2
Ammonia should be rising to a measurable amount.

Day 3
First stage bacteria are growing to become established,
but the amount is still very low.
Nitrite level in low, unmeasurable quantity.

Day 5
Ammonia maxs and drops.
Nitrite levels rising.

Day 8
First stage bacteria well established.
Temporary improvement of water condition.

Day 14
Nitrite levels maxs.

Day 27
Nitrite being converted to nitrate by second stage bacteri

Day 29
Second stage bacteria well established.
Nitrate levels rises

Day 30
Tank is cycled

A rise in nitrate levels after the tank has cycled may cause an algae bloom.
This is because nitrate is a plant nutrient.