Right..that's It..don't Think I'm Cut Out For This :(
- Thread starter Cheffi
- Start date
Not sure about the NitrIte test, but I had the same problem w/nitrAtes. Both times I did a fishless cycle my nitrates would go through the roof and then drop to 5 the next day, usually in the last week or so of the cycle. In my case, nitrates would test low for 2 or 3 days and then go back up along with a mini nitrIte spike. So I always wait a week after the first time I get low nitrate readings just to be on the safe side, but I'm kind of paranoid, and since I haven't lost a fish yet I don't want to take a chance. I'm also using API tests.
I think I'll take that advice and make 100% all my tests are right for a few days at least before I put the fish in, otherwise I don't think ginge would be too pleased if something awful happened to his fish 
bobbicus
Fish Crazy
cheffi
is there a algae bloom in ur tank?
just another idea? - as SOMETHING has neurtralised the NO3 in your tank
is there a algae bloom in ur tank?
just another idea? - as SOMETHING has neurtralised the NO3 in your tank
The problem with the nitrAte reading is almost deffinately how yu carried out the test - do it again and see where it's at. NitrAte tests are the most urneliable and test kits, in general, can be difficult to use accurately. Don't worry too much about your ntirAte levels until after your nitrIte is down.
I gather your ammonia is at 0? That's good.
Your ntirIte is off the chart? Well that's perfectly normal - it'll just take longer for the nitrIte to go down than it did for the ammonia. However, I'd half the amount of ammonia you're adding now anyway - that's something you're kind of meant to do during a fishless cycle - just to speed things up a tad.
Be patient - it'll all work out eventualy At least you're not trying to cycle with fish - that takes far longer and inevitably results in casualties (which can cost quite a bit as well!).
I gather your ammonia is at 0? That's good.
Your ntirIte is off the chart? Well that's perfectly normal - it'll just take longer for the nitrIte to go down than it did for the ammonia. However, I'd half the amount of ammonia you're adding now anyway - that's something you're kind of meant to do during a fishless cycle - just to speed things up a tad.
Be patient - it'll all work out eventualy
At least you're not trying to cycle with fish - that takes far longer and inevitably results in casualties (which can cost quite a bit as well!).Nick Sw
Fishaholic
Cheffi I`ll test your water if it will help ? send me a sample in a small bottle or container or ask your LFS to test it.
I`ve got the same tests kits and have found them very reliable, although I`ve read certain tests do have a "shelf life" whether or not you`ve got one thats past it`s sell by date or has been stored incorrectly I don`t know.
Just remember to shake bottle 2 for 1 minute and it`s 10 drops from each bottle 1 then 2, I`m sure your doing it right anyway.
Are you still continuing to add ammonia daily ?
The other thing I thought was maybe somehow some kind of filter media was interferring with the Nitrates or the water conditioner, I don`t know if anyone else can shed anylight on this ? Just check your filter is running correctly also thats all I can think of.
I`ve got the same tests kits and have found them very reliable, although I`ve read certain tests do have a "shelf life" whether or not you`ve got one thats past it`s sell by date or has been stored incorrectly I don`t know.
Just remember to shake bottle 2 for 1 minute and it`s 10 drops from each bottle 1 then 2, I`m sure your doing it right anyway.
Are you still continuing to add ammonia daily ?
The other thing I thought was maybe somehow some kind of filter media was interferring with the Nitrates or the water conditioner, I don`t know if anyone else can shed anylight on this ? Just check your filter is running correctly also thats all I can think of.
Can't remember which thread it was on but I had a reply from API and they suggested that the readings were way off the scale and to dilute so I did do a slight water change which brought readings down to 0.50 but they've gone up again. Basically I'm just waiting for the nitrites to come down now and others have said it can happen overnight from the highest reading.
I've looked everywhere on the API kit and nowhere can I find a best before date or a 'use within certain period after opening'. I tell everyone it's the Wiltshire water, but thank you Nick for the kind offer of testing my water!!!!
I've looked everywhere on the API kit and nowhere can I find a best before date or a 'use within certain period after opening'. I tell everyone it's the Wiltshire water, but thank you Nick for the kind offer of testing my water!!!!
Nick Sw
Fishaholic
Cheffi have a read of this article it explains how to work out the best before from the numbers on your API kit.
Shelf Life of Aquarium Test Kits from Cichlid Forum.
http
/www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/test_kits_life.php
Hope it helps, I think your doing ok and definately in the right direction
Shelf Life of Aquarium Test Kits from Cichlid Forum.
http
/www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/test_kits_life.phpHope it helps, I think your doing ok and definately in the right direction
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