cycle thoughts/moral support

[marshrunner]

Ok, been cycling for about a week and a half with garf grunge and live sand. Readings came, although ammonia never got very high. Nitrites climbed over 1. I tested today and ammonia is below .25, nitrites are 0.2 and nitrates are 5. should I be getting a reading for all 3 at the same time? I was under the impression that ammonia would zero before nitrates were detectible. Any advice or info would be greatly appreciated.

 

[pledosophy]

You will get a reading for all three at the same time. IMO there really is just no need to test for nitrites and nitrates as long as there is ammonia detectable. Your really only getting a feel for your test kits.

When the ammonia reaches zero test for your nitrite. If nitrite and ammonia are both zero, then add a small amount of fish food to the tank, say enough to feed for a day. Wait 8 hours or so and test again. If ammonia and nitrite are zero then test for nitrates. IF you get an ammonia or nitrite reading, wait. Then feed again, etc.

I like to feed my tanks until I can add two full days feedings at once and have no ammonia 12 hours later. That is when I think my system is ready.

HTH

 

[marshrunner]

Sounds like good advice. Being new, I think I just needed a little support LOL. thanks