Crimsonbull57

I just tested my 5 gallon tank, its been cycling for about 17 days now. (the sand was from its previous cycle attempt

Its readings are

GH: 0ppm
KH: 240ppm
pH: 7ish
N02: 0 PPM
N03: 40ppm

So is it safe to add cherry shrimp or should I wait? My cherries are in a fishbowl glass and I want to move them ASAP without risking there death.
If not how much longer and what should I do to insure there safty?

harpua2002

You can go ahead and add them. They add very little bioload. However, your nitrate reading is high, so I would precede any new additions with a large water change.

Lucy

Nitrates are a little high. What's your ammonia reading?

harpua2002

I can't believe I just missed the lack of ammonia reading! I agree, we definitely need to know that.

Crimsonbull57

ammonia is around .25-.50 but can't tell for sure, but not any higher

Lucy

Any ammonia reading means you're tank isn't ready for fish, sorry, hang in there.
When your readings are 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, with some nitrates, you'll be ready.

Crimsonbull57

yeah i know any ammonia=unsafe but how should i lower it? just wait or do a WC?
and is nitrite N02 or N03

Lucy

You have to wait until there's enough bacteria to process the ammonia.
If you lower it with a water change, you can't be sure there's sufficient bacteria to handle the ammonia created by your fish.
NO2 is nitrite
NO3 is nitrate

Cycling takes a lot of patience. 17 days isn't that long.