end of cycle traces of nitrates

[SELENAD]

i was wondering im on my 6 week of cycling and a did a test. all came out great except for nitrates were ranging between 20.0 - 10.0 ppm. is this normal or should i go ahead and hook up protein skimmer, only a little bit of LR is in there.

[lunatik_69]

IMO, your still cycling, remember that cycling could last up to 3 months(12 weeks) Your done cycling when your levels are at 0(NH3, NO2, and NO3)

[phoenixhieghts]

thats normal to be fair - nitrate is the end result of the nitrogen cycle, and the only way to really get rid of it is to hook up an expensive denitrator or do a water change.
I think you'd be alright to add a nice hardy fish in there

[sssnake]

Quite normal. Sounds like you're finishing your cycle.

No need for a skimmer just yet as there is really nothing in there to skim .

See if you can wait a little more for the nitrates to come down a bit and you're good to go. If stocking your tank with fish don't introduce more than one or two at the start, and try and place the most territorial fish last.

Good luck

[omard]

Normal with newly cycled tank.

Nothing a couple good sized back to back water changes won't take care.

Keep close eye on for next few months, your biofilter is still quite young/weak yet.

Good Luck!


Water Changes/Exchanges, Anthony Calfo

[reef_guru]

the ANN cycle is continous. daily feedings start the ANN cycle. if your tank is new check for NH3,4 if thats 0 then the main portion of "cycling" is done. then check NO2 if thats close to 0 then your almost done. NO3 under 20ppm should have little effect on livestock, but as close to 0 is prefered

ANN cycle:
(NH3,4) turns into (NO2) that turns into (NO3)
(ammonia) turns into (nitrite) that turns into (nitrate)

[SELENAD]

Thanks For The Info