My First Water Test Results...

[Neon_Momma]

HI,

After purchasing the Master test kit as advised on here (thanks!) I have got the following readings:

PH = 7.2
Ammonia = 0.25
Nitrite = 0
Nitrate = 0

Please let me know your thoughts on this

 

[WILDER]

How long has the tank been set up.

 

[Neon_Momma]

Hi, just over a week.

I wasn't aware of 'fishless cycling' and just how scientific it all was, and I let the tank sit for a day or two without any fish, then got the fish.

Then over the last few days i've realised my ignorance, and am trying to 'catch up'

I have been using Filter Start when I first filled the tank, and I've been doing 20% water changes daily and adding Water Safe at every change.

 

[WILDER]

It not good then as the cycle has barely started and the fish are ill already, ammonia has to rise then you will get a nitrite reading that will rise high, then it will gradually come down to 0, see they have to go through the ammonia stage then into the nitrite stage, this is why you need hardy fish as it takes the toll on the fish.

 

[Neon_Momma]

Right

Should I be doing test daily or weekly at this point?

Is there anything I can do, or do I just have to sit it out and hope they pull through?

God I feel awful

My two mollys seem so happy as well, will they die? I might see if I can move them into my sisters tank until mine is cycled

 

[WILDER]

Mollys are the hardiest fish you have in there, but they are not a cycling fish, how big is your sister tank, don't want to overstock her, but it would be a good idea.

 

[Neon_Momma]

her tank isn't as big as mine, she has Parrot fish in there, not sure what else, I'll have to find out.

Should I continue with the water changes, or should I be leaving the water now to cycle?

 

[WILDER]

Don't no anything about parrot fish think they are aggresive, would the lfs look after them while your tank has cycled, keep doing water changes and the cycle will take for ever.
If your sister tank has cycled you could ask for a mature filter sponge out of her tank.

 

[Neon_Momma]

ok i'll see what I can pilfer from her

Thanks alot

 

[WILDER]

It will get you going faster, good luck, and if it's a really messy fish with good bacteria sponges it might nearly cycle it.