Could Someone Offer Some Advice On My Readings Please?

[Ric]

Hi guys,

I've had my tank cycling (fishless) for almost 4 weeks and was hoping someone could let me know if these readings are ok? This is the fist time I've used a test kit, i've usually winged it and haven't lost a fish during set up yet, but now i'm nervous.

I'm using the Nutrafin mini master test kit and have just taken the following readings:

PH: 7.0
Amonia: 0
Nitrate: 5
Nitrite: 0.1

(its a 96 litre tank 80x35x40, with gravel/silk plants)

Thanks

 

[paulyoung666]

the nitrite reading seems very accurate , i use a API master kit and that can only test down to 0.25 ppm , are you sure it is 0.1 ppm .....

 

[mattlee]

can you take tests of your tap water and post them on here as it will help.

with 0 ammonia and a slight increase of nitrite it looks like something is just starting to happen. the nitrate could be from the tap water which is why i suggest testing that. my tap has nitrates of about 10 so just because there are nitrates doesnt mean its almost cycled.

how have you been feeding the filter with ammonia?

is the tank empty? or are there fish in it?

 

[random919]

your nitrite is a little high and should be bought down to 0. during this time dont add any fish as they may die. The pH depends on what fish you have. 7 is ok for some fish but mine have about 7.5. The ammonia is fine and needs to stay at 0 and the nitrate is ok.

 

[CezzaXV]

your nitrite is a little high and should be bought down to 0. during this time dont add any fish as they may die. The pH depends on what fish you have. 7 is ok for some fish but mine have about 7.5. The ammonia is fine and needs to stay at 0 and the nitrate is ok.

This is a fishless cycle. The nitrite is fine at this stage of the proceedings.