Nitrites won't go to zero

[lelover]

I started a fishless cycle on a 37G tank 10 days ago. I used media, plants, and decorations from an established 20G tank. The ammonia and nitrites both spiked and have leveled out, but not at zero. Nitrites are still about .5 and ammonia is about .25.

I read an article about plants on The Krib that recommended using 2-3 inches vermiculite and soil for the first layer of substrate. I have 1 inch of gravel on top of that. Also, My ph has dropped from 7.2 to 6.4 in 10 days. Is that a result of the vermiculite too?

I hope I don't have to change the substrate. What a mess that would be!

 

[wetwetwet]

I thought it was more for gardeners/potting but idk

It can have a broad pH anything from 6-9 but neutral is more common...

Do you run any co2 in the tank?




www

 

[lelover]

No CO2 yet, but I plan on it.