SCUGrad

I did a 30% water change today and took a reading:

ammonia - almost zero (color somewhere between 0 and 0.25)
Nitrites - zero
Nitrates - 5

I had a thread where my previous readings (few days before this water change) were

Ammonia - 0.25
Nitrites - zero
Nitrates - 10

I'm a bit overstocked which may account for the ammonia and the water change probably brought the ammonia and nitrate level down.

I began the tank June 21 so it hasn't been quite a month.

The collective wisdom of this forum is heartily appreciated.

Tony G.

you're almost there!! i would add some tss just to make sure the ammonia doesnt get to your fish, Corys are very sensible(sp?) to ammo readings allong with other fish. Great job, you are almost there. This forum i find amazing as well, not only for the info, but for the friendships created

AlyeskaGirl

Yup, looks good!

Just under curiosity what are you using for a filter? Is there a reason your temp is 85?

Being overstocked isn't that bad, just keep up on your weekly water changes, gravel vacs, don't overfeed and things should be fine. Tanks that are really overstocked can bring stress and that is an open door for disease. Remember fish need space like we do. Your tank sounds wonderful......any pics to share?

rileyrk190

cool beans..

SCUGrad

I don't have a thermometer...i"m just going by what the ambient temperature (room temperature) is and figuring the water temp isn't much different from that. It's been a bit cooler these past few days because of a lot of rain.

aquarist48

Good morning. Due to the fact that you are cycling with fish I suggest doing daily water changes of 30 to 50%. Add some Prime or Amquel + to detox the ammonia for a 24 hour period until it's time for the next water change. Even though you add the detox chemical you will still get readings of ammonia however it won't be toxic to your fish for this period. Any amount of ammonia can be very harmful to your fish. Continue with the water changes until you have 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites and 5-10 nitrates.
Best of luck. Hope you can share some pictures along the way.