Am I doing something wrong?

Discussion in 'New To The Hobby' started by whippy, Feb 28, 2009.

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  1. whippy

    whippy Sailfin Tang

    Joined:
    Feb 10, 2009
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    Location:
    Etown, KY
    So it's been four days since I started the tank. 25gal tank, 45lbs LR.
    I've been reading up on other peoples cycling water parameters and I'm a bit concerned?!

    pH - 8.2
    Ammonia - 0
    Nitrate - 30(6.8N)
    Nitrite - .6

    All of my numbers seem extremely high!! These tests were done with brand new reagents.....:confused:
     
    whippy, Feb 28, 2009
    whippy, Feb 28, 2009
    #1

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  2. salsalito25

    salsalito25 Stylophora

    Joined:
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    Location:
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    Keep in mind Everyones tank with cycle at differnant time's and chem levels. Your Being as you say four days old anything is possiable.... Be patient and check you chem's regularly.... Just my 2 cents....
     
    salsalito25, Feb 28, 2009
    salsalito25, Feb 28, 2009
    #2
  3. GuitarMan89

    GuitarMan89 Giant Squid

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    Did you use RO/DI water or tap water? I know my tap water had 20ppm nitrate to start with? Also, your numbers fine, the nitrate is a little high, but overall don't worry about it. Just let nature takes its course.
     
    GuitarMan89, Feb 28, 2009
    GuitarMan89, Feb 28, 2009
    #3
  4. whippy

    whippy Sailfin Tang

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    Location:
    Etown, KY
    Well maybe since it came on so quickly it will finish quickly......here's to dreaming, LMAO!!
     
    whippy, Feb 28, 2009
    whippy, Feb 28, 2009
    #4
  5. PharmrJohn

    PharmrJohn The Dude

    Joined:
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    Yeah....your numbers will fluctuate over the next few months. The NH4 will rise then top out, then the NO2 will rise and top out while the NH4 decreases, then the NO3 will rise toward the end of the NO2 drop off. By the book (which doesn't happen very often it seems), the NO3 will dip a bit as the anaerobic bacteria grabs hold and then will start to rise again. That second rise marks the finish of your cycle. It can take as little as a month or as long as three months.
     
    PharmrJohn, Feb 28, 2009
    PharmrJohn, Feb 28, 2009
    #5