Almost at the end.....

[Typej084]

Hey all, i've been doing a fished cycle for 5 weeks now and happy to report that so far i've lost no fish. Over the course ammonia has come up, then the nitrites spiked and brought the ammonia down to zero, so far it stands...

Ammonia - 0 (API liquid test)
Nitrite - 1.0 (on Aqua One liquid test & strips)but this is the conflict left....
Nitrate - the strips says 20ppm but the liquid test says over 80ppm!

I also tested my tap water and the strips say 0 for nitrate & nitrite and when i do the liquid test on the tap water it goes a weird brown colour so in the end i spose im asking should i rely on the liquid test or the strips for nitrate reading?

Thanks in advance - J

[mommy1]

i've used both liuquid and strips. the liquid tests are far more accurate and conststant in the readings. trust the liquid.

[Northernguy]

Are you sure you are doing the test properly,are you shaking it up for the recommended time and waiting the right time?

[Lady Hobbs]

With fish in that tank, you need to bring those nitrates way down with a big water change. You will not hurt your cycle doing water changes.........just do not clean anything. You will probably drop the nitrite with the water change, as well.

[Typej084]

Yeah i'm doing the test to the letter, ill do a big w/c and see how we go. Thanks!

[Typej084]

Ok...
I went out and bought the API liquid test kits for nitrite and nitrate cause i had a feeling about the other tester and i haven't changed the water yet. The results were....

Ammonia - 0
Nitrite - 2.0
Nitrate - 10.0

Maybe a dodgy test kit? I heard/been told API is the brand to use, I might do a change anyway to get the nitrite down a bit......

Thoughts?

[Typej084]

I think i'm done,

Ammonia - 0
Nitrite - 0
Nitrate - 10

It's been six long weeks but once you get to this stage in the readings it's cycled isn't it?

[fins_n_fur]

Congratulations! It sounds like your tank has cycled!

[Mith]

ahhh yes, the joy of finishing up the cycle! Why I remember it like it was yesterday! LOL

Congrats!!!!!

[Typej084]

Thanks! Couldn't have done it without the forums help thumbs2: