tony

What are safe levels for ammonia, nitrite and nitrates?

Butterfly

When your tank is cycled the ammonia should be at 0, Nitrites 0 and nitrates about 20. If you have a heavily planted tank Nitrates can be a bit higher and the plants will use it up.
Any ammonia is stressful and the more there is the more toxic it is.
Carol

capekate

Hi Tony
In a cycled tank you should have neither ammonia or nitrites showing. Your safe nitrate level can be up to 20 and try not to ever go over that. Tho some tests say that at 40 it becomes unsafe. I would never want to have a 40 showing on my nitrate tests, I personally dont think it is a safe reading.

Are you talking about an uncycled tank that you are in the process of cycling with fish?

~ kate

tony

thank you, my tank is cycled and i just had my water tested and it said that the nitrates were at 20 PPM, i also did a water change afterwards, so i guess i'm fine

Butterfly

Sounds ok.
carol