Water Levels

[matt_bex]

Hi all.
Newbie and begginer here.
I've recently set up and fishless cycled a new 60L tank and would like some advice as to my water levels.

I have run the tank and filter for about 4 weeks now with no fish. Today I tested the water and levels were as follows:
Ammonia= 0.5
Nitrate= 50
Nitrite= 0.5
PH= 7.6

I understand that ammonia and nitrite should be 0. I spoke to the fish supply shop and he stated levels were fine for fish so I got 2 male guppies and 2 red platys. Im not going to add any further for a few weeks now and take regular water checks.

I would be greatful if anyone can let me know if this all sounds ok. Also how often and by how much should I carry out water changes.

Thank you in advance
Matt.

 

[Meeresstille]

If you still have readings of ammonia and nitrite then your tank is not yet cycled. What did you use as an ammonia source during the cycling period of 4 weeks? 
 
Now that you have fish in there you are doing a fish in cycle, so you need to be doing lots more water changes to keep those ammonia and nitrite readings as close to 0 as you can. Your nitrates are a little high as well, live plants would use those up as nutrients, but with the water changes on your horizon those levels too will go down even without plants.
 
Do you know if you have any ammonia, nitrite or nitrate coming from your tap?

 

[Madness13]

0.50 ammonia and nitrite will definitely stress the fish out. Like Fishaholic said, regular water changes of at least 50% to keep those readings as close to 0 as you can. If you have a reading of 0.50 ammonia/nitrite and you do a 50% water change, you'll be left with 0.25 ammonia/nitrite in the water (halving the amount).

 

[matt_bex]

Thank you for your replys.

I have used Nutrafin cycle Biological Aquarium supplement as per the correct dosage. I also used Tetra aqua safe, which I also use when doing a water change (I did a 20% prior to adding fish). I will monitor very closely and carry out the water changes regularly.

Quick question about guppies. Are these fish fin nippers?

Thank you.

 

[Essjay]

If you didn't add a source of ammonia, I'm afraid you have wasted the last four weeks. Nutrafin Cycle is a product that I've not heard a good word for. It won't have cycled your tank.
 
As the others have said, you are now doing a fish-in cycle. You need to test for ammonia and nitrite every day, and carry out those water changes if you see readings for either/both.

 

[matt_bex]

I'll make sure I keep a close eye on readings and change water accordingly.

Thanks for all your help. My main concern is the welfare of the fish in the tank.

 

[attibones]

If you are concerned about the fish, then take them back and complete your cycle without fish before you purchase more. 

 

[matt_bex]

Ok so an update.

I did a 25% water change last night. Did a reading this morning and ammonia and nitrite have halved to 0.25. Whilst I appreciate this is still not ideal, it's a good sign right? Nitrate has gone up ever so slightly but I am going to pick up some live plants today so hopefully that will reduce by tomorrow.

The fish are not showing any signs of stress and the water is clearer than its ever been, even when there were no fish in it. I will continue to monitor closely and will carry on the water changes. Is it safe to carry out a 25% water change daily until ammonia and nitrite come down or should this be every other day?

I think I've learnt my lesson with listening to the LFS. I wish I'd of come on here first!

 

[Madness13]

It's ok mate we have all been there at some point I'm sure! Only do the water changes when necessary really. I would test the water everyday or every other day just to make sure the readings aren't too high. The thing is, 0.50 or even 0.25 ammonia/nitrite might not be too dangerous now, but over time it can definitely affect them.
 
I wouldn't panic too much, you can even do a couple in a day if the readings get that high. Just keep the readings below 0.50 and you should be fine. NitrAtes are not such a problem (Mine have been pretty high and it doesn't seem to affect them at all).

 

[attibones]

Ok so an update.

I did a 25% water change last night. Did a reading this morning and ammonia and nitrite have halved to 0.25. Whilst I appreciate this is still not ideal, it's a good sign right? Nitrate has gone up ever so slightly but I am going to pick up some live plants today so hopefully that will reduce by tomorrow.

The fish are not showing any signs of stress and the water is clearer than its ever been, even when there were no fish in it. I will continue to monitor closely and will carry on the water changes. Is it safe to carry out a 25% water change daily until ammonia and nitrite come down or should this be every other day?

I think I've learnt my lesson with listening to the LFS. I wish I'd of come on here first!

 You really should be doing higher volume water changes. By doing at least fifty percent, you are bringing .25 to around .12, but if you do 75% of that, then you've got almost all of it out. 
 
You need to check your parameters daily and change water if needed. It is safe to do 100% changes daily if needed. Watch your nitrates as well. This reading gets dangerous between 40-60 ppm.