3 weeks 5-10ppm nitrates

[Icewing726]

So I did the cycle using biospira. Added a full dose 15 min prior to my first fishies, then another full dose a few days later after adding another group. Since then I added 2 more groups and have a very active tank.

I measured my ammonia, nitrite, and nitrates daily at first then more sporadically and found that I never had ammonia or nitrites but nitrates at their worst hit 40 ppm. Now I have 5-10 ppm (hard to read between the two shades of yellow on the test even using the aquarium light).

Whats the next thing to look out for? I've had my brown diatom bloom and its dieing back... Added phosguard real late to deal with the silicates (phosphates have been testing at 0 from supply and tank). I hear green algae shows up next, but I'm unaware of any mini cycles or anything like that.

So to reiterate my question: what should I be on the look out for next?

 

[mcgyvr]

Well.. its typically diatoms then green film/hair algae then you even may get some cyano (typically called the ugly stages)..
Usually in that order too..

Have you got the lights on?

 

[Icewing726]

Been running the lights per the norm, that diatom brown got really scary bad before it got better. Didn't help that the wrasses were eating the clean up crew...

I'm just wondering what might be my next pitfall going forward?

 

[mcgyvr]

I'm just wondering what might be my next pitfall going forward?

My time machine is in the shop getting a sweet Pokemon theme airbrush job... But when it gets back I can plan a trip forward if you let me know your latitude and longitude..

 

[lapin]

I'm just wondering what might be my next pitfall going forward?

Not pitfalls, learning opportunities. You get to learn brown stuff, green stuff and red stuff.

 

[Icewing726]

Pokemon on a time machine actually makes it less efficient. Regardless my point was that now that I've dodged the troll hiding on the bridge whats the next threat I should watch out for or is it smooth sailing from here?

 

[Drewbe147]

Just managing your parameters and letting your tank mature..most likely will get a green algae problem shortly after ur diatoms are done may get cyano with it but its all about the maturing cycle. My understanding the tank isn’t considered mature until after its first year where most of those “worrying” or potential “ugly” phases will have ran their course.