Starting a new 5gal Hex tank pH, nitrate, nitrite, and ammonia readings.

[sschmi5519]

10/10/2008

 

 

 

pH=7.6

Nitrate=20

Nitrite=1.5

Ammonia=8.0

[PBUEHH]

are you topping off your water to compensate for evaporation?

[Sctn4Elk]

You need to bring that PH up....

[sschmi5519]

are you topping off your water to compensate for evaporation?

 

Yep, keeps the SG at around 1.024.

[sschmi5519]

10/12/2008

 

pH=7.8

Nitrate=40

Nitrite=2.0

Ammonia=0.5

 

Notice brown 'stuff' growing on the LR.

 

Algae?

[reefone]

wow! ur having one hell of a cycle. ur seeing diatoms in ur tank. u r twords the end of ur cycle. dont add any livestock to the tank untill ammonia and nitrite r at 0. once these 2 r at 0 do a water change and start with a small cuc.

 

baking soda is fine to use in the tank. it will raise ph and also the alk. i would suggest u dont dose anything to ur tank right now as its still cycling and most times will run a low ph.

[sschmi5519]

Ok, I'll wait until ammonia/nitrite is at zero before I mess with the pH.

[sschmi5519]

Looks like I might have bristle worms in there? Saw one last night for a second...I think.

[PBUEHH]

not all bristle worms are bad, most eat distrius. even big ones may only eat seaweed, be glad, cause its going to be eating poop in your tank.

[sschmi5519]

10/13/2008

 

pH=8.0

Nitrate=5.0

Nitrite=0

Ammonia=0

 

Does that mean im cycled?

 

Time for a water change?

[sschmi5519]

10/14/2008

 

pH=8.1

Nitrate=1.0

Nitrite=0

Ammonia=0

 

Am I good to go??

[sschmi5519]

No one cares?

 

kthxwhatev.

[debbeach13]

I care looks like it is time to do a water change 10% is the norm. and then start with a few snails to take care of any diatoms or algae. Your going to really have fun now.

[sschmi5519]

Yay, someone cares!