Results From Master Kit

[stucolls]

Hey guys, I posted this in tropical chat too but didnt get many replies.
My Freshwater master test kit arrived today, those of you who I have bugged before will know that my tank has been running for approx 4 and a half weeks, with fish in it for 3 and a half weeks, I found this site, after setting up etc etc as alot of people do, I ballsed up.
I have 12 fish (3 molly, 4 platy, 3 cory, 2 fry) in my 20gal tank, with what I have now discovered is an inadequate filter.

Ok so my results from test kit are;

Results:
PH : 7.6
Ammonia : 0.25
Nitrite : 5.0
Nitrate : 20

Im aware Ammo should be 0, nitrite 0 and nitrate under 40. But how do I go about from here, obtaining those results?
I have some aquastart ammonia remover (bluey coloured chips to add to filter) but thats it really.

All advice appreciated and I promise not too bug too many more people on here.

Many thanks

Stu

 

[CruX]

I would start doing some really big water changes. Cut the feeding back to once every 2 days if possible. I wouldn't worry too much about nitrate at the minute as that will come down with water changes.

 

[stucolls]

Ok great stuff, I thought that might be the case so water changes it is, any use in using the ammonia remover? I was told to remove it before as the tank had not cycles so I needed the ammonia

 

[CruX]

I wouldn't use it as I don't know what it is or how it works

You do beed ammonia for a cycle to establish so if something was to completely remove the ammonia then its plausable that a cycle may never establish. I have heard there is a product that will convert ammonia to less harmfull ammonium, and that the bacteria can still process this ammonium to nitrites but you still have the problem of high nitrites.

 

[stucolls]

ok just did a 30% water change, will do another tomorrow. Also wont feed them until say thursday.

BTW whats the best way to keep a fry tank cycled? keep its filter in the main tank and pack away the tank and its insides or keep it filled with water etc and keep something in it (fishy)

 

[stucolls]

Oh and shall I just keep donig water changes and testing ammonia, then when ammonia gets to 0.0 start testing nitrite? or carry on testing everything?

 

[CruX]

I would keep testing everything then you can determine how big you want the water change to be, you might have low ammonia and think it can wait but have nitrite through the roof. Plus I like to know whats going on and I am a bit of a statastition. I have been plotting a graph of my weekly nitrates for a while, although it's hit and miss once you get into the red.

 

[stucolls]

fair enough, all it is lol, cheers mate