Nitrite And Nitrate

[gtigaz]

Ino what your saying yeah, needs to be 0 really, what should i do then another 50% change? atleast it will keep me fit anyway haha

 

[gtigaz]

also just thinking now, how will i know when my tank is fully matured ?

 

[fluttermoth]

When you see no readings for ammonia and nitrite for a week, without having to do any water changes, your tank will be cycled.
 
There's no way of telling how big your water changes should be without knowing what your nitrite level is.

 

[eaglesaquarium]

gtigaz,
 
It seems you are relying on the LFS to do your water tests.  You really to invest in your own liquid test kit, because you will need to do water changes whenever your nitrite starts to rise above zero.  A test kit for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and to a lesser extent pH are essential for a fish keeper - just like a litter box is vital for a cat owner, or a water bowl for a dog.

 

[gtigaz]

ah right so a full week without water changes and its sorted then its 10% every week?

i am going to invest in a api master test kit but we have just bought a house so the shop will have to do for a week or so, i priced one up and pets at home had them £33, does that sound about right?

gaz

 

[fluttermoth]

ah right so a full week without water changes and its sorted then its 10% every week?

Only if you have zero readings for both ammonia and nitrite, for the whole week. If you see any ammonia or nitrite at all, you'll have to carry on doing the water changes; you can't just leave it and expect it to be cycled; not if you want your fish to survive, anyway...
 
 
 

i am going to invest in a api master test kit but we have just bought a house so the shop will have to do for a week or so, i priced one up and pets at home had them £33, does that sound about right?

gaz

That sounds about right for P@H; you can get it cheaper online though. You could always just get tests for ammonia and nitrite; they're the essential ones for you right now.

 

[gtigaz]

ok that's belting thanks, Il have a look on amazon in a min just done another big water change 150litre gonna go get it tested shortly and Il post up the results, i don't mind going to the fish shop for now as its literally 2mins away and they said come in every day if i wanted so all good

gaz

£19.65 on amazon, Il get one ordered

 

[gtigaz]

just back, water is perfect now so its just a case of daily tests now to make sure it stays that way