First time using api master test

[Bhuggins]

Hi all! Got my master test kit in today and right away broke one of the tubes (I’m assuming that’s some sort of initiation?)

55 gallon new tank set up for about 10 days, have used some stability, have old filter media in both filters, and some decor from my well established nano tank. Also have live plants.

my results:
Ammonia .25-.50
Nitrite - 0
Nitrate - 5
Ph 7.5ish


I’m new to this test and have a grasp but not full understanding on what my levels should be. How am I looking on the cycle process. I have some stability and prime on hand as well if needed.

Thanks!

 

[vanalisa]

Hi all! Got my master test kit in today and right away broke one of the tubes (I’m assuming that’s some sort of initiation?)

55 gallon new tank set up for about 10 days, have used some stability, have old filter media in both filters, and some decor from my well established nano tank. Also have live plants.

my results:
Ammonia .25-.50
Nitrite - 0
Nitrate - 5
Ph 7.5ish


I’m new to this test and have a grasp but not full understanding on what my levels should be. How am I looking on the cycle process. I have some stability and prime on hand as well if needed.

Thanks!

Ammonia is high

I look at a vial and it breaks! LOL

 

[Essjay]

In a cycled tank, ammonia and nitrite should be zero.
Nitrate is probably what comes out of the tap.
pH is what comes out of the tap.

I suggest testing your tap water as well as the tank water to compare them. For pH, run a glass of water and test it straight away. then leave it to stand overnight and test it again. You'll probably find the pH is different.



It is impossible to say how a cycle is going from just one set of tests. Has the ammonia been higher then come down? Has the nitrite been higher than come down? Or is the ammonia just going up and the nitrite not started yet?

 

[Bhuggins]

Thanks! I’ll keep at it and start charting my tests to see how it’s progressing

 

[Salty&Onion]

I look at a vial and it breaks! LOL

Its like you've got magic in your eyes

 

[Bhuggins]

Just checked my tap water and it didn’t read any nitrates. So seems like the process is going

 

[Byron]

You mentioned live plants, so if these are growing (as opposed to dying off) you will likelynot see ammonia or nitrite throughout the cycling. The minimal amount you have tested (ammonia) could be due to the Stability and/or your source water if they use chloramine. Many places in the US do use chloramine rather than chlorine because it does not dissipate out so it is a better disinfectant.

And just to ensure it is known, with the plants, do not add any artificial ammonia. The cycle will establish in the background. You may or may not see nitrate (you have 5ppm).

 

[Bhuggins]

Update to this: today’s test showed
Ammonia: “maybe” .25 (very light hint of green
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: 0

Plants are growing and have new leaves. My swords have grown around 2 inches in the last 10 days. I have around 7 swords, 2 red flames, 6 or so Anubias and a few misc. all plants are growing green and healthy. I’ve done some further reading up on this all since the last time I posted and now know with a planted tank the test results aren’t as cookie cutter as non planted. I also earlier this week added additional decor from my established tank