Water parameters

The science behind successful fishkeeping.
Confusedpanda22
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Hi All.
For an update, I bought ammonia and added it as per instructions. Did that for about 3 days adding it each day.
Then I realised I need to know how much ammonia is in the tank as adding everyday could lead to problems if it's not getting dealt with.
So I'm waiting for an ammonia testing kit and stopped adding it.
It's only been a week but my tank water isn't showing any changes on the test kits and I noticed today is identical to the water out the tap. I seem to have some nitrates in the tap water. Not seen any evidence of Nitrite yet.
Does all that sound right to you guys?
Thanks
Tom
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Mossyboy
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How I did it the first time. (I do it different now)

Add the ammonia as per instructions to get 4ppm
Test for ammonia every 24hrs and keep testing.
When it drops add ammonia to bring it up to 2ppm (do not just add ammonia every day, only when it needs it.
Now also test for Nitrite every couple of days.
Eventually the ammonia drops and the nitrite rises, (this will take awhile, maybe some weeks) keep dosing the ammonia up to 2ppm
Now test every day for ammonia and nitrite, when the nitrite starts to drop start testing for nitrate.
Also test the PH in case of a PH crash.
Once your ammonia and nitrite are being processed clear for at LEAST 2 days (better for 3) your nitrates should be really high and your tank should be almost cycled.
Do a massive water change (I did 90%) this will get rid of the high nitrates, refill with dechlorinated water and away you go.
Keep testing for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate daily just incase.
When cycled add your fish a few at a time OR keep topping the ammonia to 2 ppm to keep the tank cycled till you can add fish.
Hope this makes sense and helps.
Confusedpanda22
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That helps massively thanks a lot.
I think once I get the ammonia test I will be able to carry on as you have said. It's not easy this cycling and takes a lot of patience.
Will be worth it when it's done.
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Gingerlove05
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The nitrates in the tap water will be why you already have nitrate in the tank even though you have had no nitrite yet.
Unless your heavily planted you may find that you will always have some nitrate, as long as it low levels.
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Stephen
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Many members use the API Freshwater Master Test Kit which is a liquid tesr kit that tests for pH, high pH, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate.
At around £26 the API test kit will last for maybe 3 years so it's not expensive long-term.

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Mossyboy
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Stephen wrote: Sat Oct 23, 2021 8:23 am Many members use the API Freshwater Master Test Kit which is a liquid tesr kit that tests for pH, high pH, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate.
At around £26 the API test kit will last for maybe 3 years so it's not expensive long-term.

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Could not agree more. I found that this test kit is an absolute must have.
Confusedpanda22
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Me again.
I've another question please.
So as I said before I was adding ammonia as guidance for two days. Then I realised I needed to test ammonia.
3 days went by without me adding any ammonia and I tested my water today and there has been some changes. Good or bad? I'm not sure. Nitrite is off the scale at 10 and Nitrate has moved up to 160, I tested the ammonia and it was at 0.25. I added more ammonia earlier and it's now at 1ppm.
I've tested all this with a dip test as I can't afford the one suggested just yet. Although the ammonia test is a good one.
What should I do please? should I add ammonia daily to get it to 4ppm or is the Nitrite being so high a problem?

All your advice is really appreciated. I guess it's good that there are some chemical changes going on at least.

Tom
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Stephen
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Only top up the ammonia to 2ppm at this stage and keep monitoring.
Also monitor the nitrite now that it is showing in the test.

Your results are very encouraging.
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Confusedpanda22
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I will continue to add ammonia then tomorrow and keep it steady at 2ppm.
Thanks was hoping I was on the right track.
Confusedpanda22
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Hi All
Follow up question please, I did 100 percent water change mid week as I had to change the substrate.
This never really changed my water readings, I have continued all of your advice and the ammonia is gone within 24 hours after adding it, has been doing this for about 4 days.
Nitrites are 10 which if I understand correctly that is to be expected and after continuing to add 2 ppm of ammonia I should start to see nitrites come down and Nitrate go up.

I have added wood to the aquarium which has leaked tannins, my ph has gone from I think 7.5 to 6. Is that a pH crash and if so, is it a cause for concern.

In short, do I change anything or just keep trucking on with 2ppm ammonia and wait for nitrites to come down please?

Thanks
Tom
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