My fish cycle log...
 

Hi guys,

Ive decided to do a daily log of my water parameters during my 'fish' cycle..Im cycling a 64g planted tank with 6 pearl danios for the cycle.

Im on my first day today and the params are as follows:

PH: 7.6
Ammonia: 0-0.25ppm
nitrite: 0-0.25ppm
nitrate: 0

I think these results would warrant maybe a 20% water change?

Yes, I would do a water change. You want to minimize the stress those danios must be feeling. Keep us updated!

I would change about 30% because those ammonia and nitrite readings are high, but congratulations on the tank!

~Cam

Yesterdays readings:
Ammonia - 0-0.25ppm
PH 7.6
Nitrite - 0-0.25ppm
Nitrate - 0ppm

Todays readings:

Ammonia 0-0.25ppm (maybe less definitly not more)
PH 7.6
Nitrite 0-0.25ppm
Nitrate 10ppm

I have been doing 20-30% water changes daily.. Is it possible im having a nitrate spike already?

Hi,

Test your change water after treating it, before it goes in the tank. When I was first doing this I discovered my tap water had 10 - 20 ppm nitrate and 5 ppm phosphate right from the tap. That meant my nitrates were high even before my tanks were cycled. The baselines get confusing sometimes.

My tap water parameters:

PH: 7.5
Ammonia: 0-0.25ppm
Nitrite: 0ppm
Nitrate: 0 - 5ppm

Judging on todays results posted previously do people thing im having the nitrate spike already? What do people think I should do next..? Im kinda confused by my results..

Do you mean test it after adding the 'stress coat' to it? I tested the tap water and posted the results previously but im not exactly sure what to take from the results...??

If you have water parameter problems with your tap water, I use the 5 gallon bottled water they have in the front of the food store. It is a Glacier machine and it cost like 1.50 for the 5 gallons, pretty cheap, and its good water.

Just an idea. Good luck with the tank!

Yea I know the ones your talking about I use them all the time when im in the US but we dont have those here in Ireland and even if we did transportation would be a problem because I'd need like 20G a week..

My tap water shouldnt be a major problem...

Todays Results:

Ammonia: 0ppm
Nitrite: 1.0ppm
PH: 7.6

Didnt bother taking a nitrate test as theres not really any point at this stage..

Im going to do another 30% water change going by the above results..