New And Confused

[Greygal]

Hi everyone,

I've just registered and could use some help and advice as you guys seem to know what you're talking about

I have just completed a fishless cycle over 6 weeks (or thought I had) with my very first aquarium using fish food and have been testing the water and watched my ammonia peak, followed by the nitrite, both of which have now dropped to zero. My nitrate readings were over 40 (not quite 80 on the chart) so I have done a 30% water change which brought it down to 10 and popped off to buy my new fish.

Was feeling quite proud of myself until the guy at the fish shop advised me that I may not have done the cycle properly as my nitrate readings weren't high enough and I may have wasted my time as the ammonia may well come up again when I add fish.

So, now I am really confused and frustrated. Having waited 6 weeks to cycle my tank thinking I'd done everything right as I'd read a book on setting up the tank and read loads on-line on the subject of the fishless cycle with fish food.

I would really appreciate some advice on where to go from here. Do you think my tank has cycled or is the fish guy right? Am I ready to add fish or is there something else I should be doing?

Any advice would be great!

Thanks,

GG x

 

[fluttermoth]

I wouldn't worry; nitrate tests are notoriously inaccurate anyway; you're fine to add fish

 

[Greygal]

Hi and thanks for the reply. There is so much conflicting info out there and I am doubting myself a bit so it's good to have another opinion.

 

[colleen0309]

Good morning and welcome! Good luck with your new fish. Just remember not to add too many fish at one time.

 

[Greygal]

Hi and thank you. We added our first 2 fish today (platies) which seem quite happy and are exploring their new tank. Will be keeping a close eye on them and their water and I'm keeping my fingers crossed too

GG x