Can Someone Check My Levels Please. :o)

[lottieu]

Hi, I'm new, have read all the newbie stuff now, so here goes...

Tank is 32" x 13.5" (depth) x 18" (height). I have 11 Zebra Danio and 6 Mollies in there. I didn't do a a fishless cycle as i hadn't ever heard of that before. The tank is 3 weeks old, fish went in after 2 weeks when the lfs tested our water and said it was ok.

PH- 8
Ammonia - 0.1
Nitrite - 0.25/0.1 (it's an interpet tablet test and it was kind of in the middle of the colours)
Nitrate - 50

Is that nearly there/there/or nowhere near?

Thanks in advance
Charlotte

 

[JenCliBee]

Hi, I'm new, have read all the newbie stuff now, so here goes...

Tank is 32" x 13.5" (depth) x 18" (height). I have 11 Zebra Danio and 6 Mollies in there. I didn't do a a fishless cycle as i hadn't ever heard of that before. The tank is 3 weeks old, fish went in after 2 weeks when the lfs tested our water and said it was ok.

PH- 8
Ammonia - 0.1
Nitrite - 0.25/0.1 (it's an interpet tablet test and it was kind of in the middle of the colours)
Nitrate - 50

Is that nearly there/there/or nowhere near?

Thanks in advance
Charlotte

If its a tablet test kit then all them results may not be anythink even close to correct, liquid test kits are far more accurate and will give a better idea on levels.

50 on nitrate afetr 3 weeks i would say is a bit high hence the inaccuracy of the kit your using.

Sorry it's not the sort of help you were looking for but giving advise on possible wrong readings isnt gonna mean anythink

jen

 

[lottieu]

If its a tablet test kit then all them results may not be anythink even close to correct, liquid test kits are far more accurate and will give a better idea on levels.

50 on nitrate afetr 3 weeks i would say is a bit high hence the inaccuracy of the kit your using.

Sorry it's not the sort of help you were looking for but giving advise on possible wrong readings isnt gonna mean anythink

jen

Yeah i was thinking that. It's an Interpet test. My lfs sells the API test that i heard was recommended, I'll go and get that and re-test. Thanks.

 

[Underwurlde]

^ Good advice.

IF those results are backed up by the API test, then I'd say 'getting there'.

Andy

 

[lottieu]

right, re-tested with the API drip test...

Ammonia - 0.50
Nitrite - 0.50
Nitrate - 10

how are they?

Thanks
Charlotte

 

[JenCliBee]

right, re-tested with the API drip test...

Ammonia - 0.50
Nitrite - 0.50
Nitrate - 10

how are they?

Thanks
Charlotte

Drip test?

Test telling that your getting there . Do a water change and try get them levels as close to 0 as possible

 

[lottieu]

Drip test?

Test telling that your getting there . Do a water change and try get them levels as close to 0 as possible

lol, sorry, liquid test.. you drip the liquid in, so i had it in my mind it was called that.

thanks, will do water change in a bit.

 

[JenCliBee]

Drip test?

Test telling that your getting there . Do a water change and try get them levels as close to 0 as possible

lol, sorry, liquid test.. you drip the liquid in, so i had it in my mind it was called that.

thanks, will do water change in a bit.

LOL, im just easily comfused

For the results as i said above they seem ok and do look positive, just keep on top of the water changes and all should be fine .

jen

 

[lottieu]

this morning (after a 15% water chnage last night) they are

Ph - 7.8
Ammonia - 0.50
Nitrite - 0.50
Nitrate 5

plus, found a couple of minute snails.

 

[Underwurlde]

If I were you I'd remove the snails before their population explodes. Cycling is still progressing.

Andy

 

[OldMan47]

To control a 0.5 ppm will take making a 50% change just to get levels down to 0.25 ppm. I would change at least that much just for temporary safety of the fish. Since you are showing nitrites, you may see their levels coming up even faster which could mean 75% changes more than once a day to stay on top of them. The pH and nitrates look fine but do not be afraid of truly large water changes. When doing a large water change, make sure the filter is not left running dry and the heater is not plugged in when it is not in the water. Those mistakes could be costly in terms of equipment damage.

 

[lottieu]

thanks, I only saw 2 snails and removed them, will keep a check for any more.

thanks for advice on equipment, i do that already. Will do a bigger water change later on.

Cheers.

 

[waterdrop]

Yes, agree with OM47, your water changes clearly need to start out larger and be more frequent. You do not want ammonia and nitrite(NO2) to get up to 0.25ppm, much less 0.50ppm before your next water change.

Your new test kit gives you the correct tools now to do the right thing. It allows you to test twice a day (try for 12 hours apart, a good habit.) You have to be a bit of a detective and keep a logbook. Your goal is to figure out what combination of water change percentage and frequency both works for you and will also allow the ammonia and nitrite(NO2) levels to only come up to a max of 0.25ppm when you next come back on your 12 hour test from the previous water change and/or test. Does that make sense?

Say you start out with a couple of 70% water changes in a day and now you are pleased to find both ammonia and nitrite(NO2) down almost to zero. Next you'll test about 12 hours later and see if they rose to 0.25ppm. Depending on whether you find they rose to less or more than that you will make an adjustment as to how much water you feel you need to change or how often you need to change it such that you get a better result next time.

Its all about keeping ammonia and nitrite(NO2) as low as possible within what you find possible to accomplish.

~~waterdrop~~

 

[greenscooby]

Keep listenining to OM47 he's given me invaluable advice, also Waterdrop and Stang1, theres loads on here who are here to help, BTT and FHM spring to mind also, never be afraid to ask(thats my sucking up done!!! )

I went through a fish-in cycle

Hard work?

YES

Worth it?

DAMN RIGHT

Keep doing those water changes and not only will your fish be happy but so will you, theres NOTHING better than watching your fish in a really healthy tank.

Mark.

 

[paulbr1]

Hi, dont forget to use the old "dechlorinator" in your water changes also.

Paul.