bolivianbaby

It took 6 weeks, but as of this morning, Dracula's tank is officially cycled:
ammonia-0
nitrites-0
nitrates-5

I know that in smaller tanks, things can go wrong VERY quickly.

I've been testing his water daily so I could do water changes for ammonia or nitrite levels, but now that his tank is cycled, should I test every other day or is that being paranoid?

Please advise on how often you test on small aquariums. I just want to keep a close enough eye to intervene if something goes wrong, but not so close of an eye that I'm running "paranoia tests".

Lucy

Since it's newly cycled, it would be a good idea to test every few days. If it stays consistant for a while move to weekly, then every two weeks if you want.
As long as you stay on top of water changes, gravel vacs and don't over feed you should be fine.

bolivianbaby

Good deal. I wasn't sure because of it being a smaller tank.

Thanks a bunch

Lucy

Your welcome!

aquarist48

Congrats!

Shawnie

whahooooooooo isnt that a GREAT feeling?

im with the others...test every few days for a couple weeks then do it on whatever your regular schedule is....even smaller tanks can be stable if not overstocked and over fed congrats to you and your daughter !

prairielilly

On my 5g's I've always done as Lucy suggests above, and haven't had a problem yet. Because it's an itty bitty tank I do change out more of the water each week than I do in my larger ones (up to 50%) and I keep live plants, which I find helps. Now I only test if I suspect an issue or if something has changed/been added etc. Just keep an eye on it like you do, you'll know when something's amiss.

Congrats on completing the cycle

bolivianbaby

Thanks you all! We only have two un-cycled tanks left, the 55 I got last night that I haven't filled with water yet, and my daughter's 5 gallon betta tank with Firecracker.

All of the others are rolling with great test readings!