New 200Ltr Tank

[Mcbarnes]

Hi,

I got my tank up and running late last night I got around to doing a water test this morning here are my results:

P.H : 7.5
Ammonia : 0
Nitrate : 5
Nitrite : 0

Considering that the tank is on its very first cycle ( not even been 12 hrs yet) are these levels normal?

 

[Zante]

Yes, ammonia and nitrite are normal for a < 1 day old tank.

Nitrate could be normal, test your tap water, that may well be where it's coming from.

 

[Wills]

Hi, in fairness its not started cycling yet with those readings - are you doing a fishless cycle? With no source of ammonia you wont see any readings yet and then as soon as you add fish you end up with ammonia and nitrite - best to go fishless and use house hold ammonia to cycle the tank then add fish when the filters have built up enough bacteria to handle the amount of ammonia produced by fish and their poop.

Wills

 

[Mcbarnes]

thanks,

will look into adding ammonia. And i will re-read the cycle guides.

 

[Aqua Tom]

Welcome to the world of fishkeeping.

At the moment those readings are your Tapwater readings becuase you are not adding a source of food for the nitrifying bacteria to consome & in so doing, grow. To proove this pour a glass of water from the tap, wait 24 hours for any co2 to gas of & then test that cup of water, I am sure the results will be the same as your tank.

Bacteria are a lifeform & like anything that is alive need food to survive & flourish. We give them this food in the form of ammonia, either added directly to the tank from a bottle (fishless cycling). Or from the waste produced by fish (fish-in-cycling).

Here is a link - http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/277264-beginners-resource-center/

Read everything on there about cycling, it may seem duanting at first but it is quite straighforward & we are here to help & encourage you.

Tom