water param question.

[JMLufkins]

param. on 5/9/2005

Temp: 80.1
sg: .022
Ammonia: 0
pH: 8.0
Trites: 5.0+
Trates: 40

Param today 5/11/2005

Temp: 78.8
sg: .0225
Ammonia: 0
pH: 7.8
Trites: .25
Trates: 20

New 65g tank, LR has been in the tank for less than a week. Is this normal to drop that much in less than a week. I did 3 small water changes. Last one I did on monday and it was a 20%. Skimmer is working great.

Question: Am I in for another spike?

[CitCat21]

was the first test before or after the water change?

[JMLufkins]

After.
I have the same results of a test before the water change.

[CitCat21]

Thenit's more than likely they will go back up.

Water changes aren't necessary during the cycle IMO but depending on the type of rock you have they can prevent further dieoff. The best thing to do is sit back and wait just test the water every 3 or 4 days.

The tank can be considered cycled when amm=0, trites=0, and trates<20.

[bertoni]

A 20% change reduces the nitrate level 20%, so given the large drop, you shouldn't see much of a spike back up.

The nitrite and nitrate levels might or might not hit zero on their own. At this point, if you haven't seen any ammonia for a few weeks, you could consider adding a cleanup crew.