ruthiesmom

Ok so about 3-4 weeks ago I had to do an emergency full water change and wash the entire tank and contents after my 3 yr old found it important the fish have lotion on the thier hands (fins). So I am now I starting all over again. The fish did fine and were no worse for the wear. So I have been watching the wter and have been getting no indication that the cylce had started is this normal? It has been a while the only question is about my Nitrates they are raised at 1.0 so do I start to do the water changes now?
Thanks
Tina

capekate

Hi Tina
Im surprised that you have no ammonia showing yet in the tank. What type of test kit are you using? Have you tested for ammonia and nitrite as well?
After three weeks you should be showing at least the ammonia.

Sophism

I am not 100% sure on this so wait for someone more experienced.

But if you are getting nitrates but showing no nitrites or ammonia then your tank is still cycled.

jdhef

My API Master Kit's instructions say that nitrates shouldn't get over 40, but many people here believe they should stay below 20. Either way it seems you really don't need to do any water changes right now, so long as your ammonia and nitrites are both zero.

capekate

From your post I gather that you lost the cycle after having to start over? If you kept the filter media it is possible that you are cycled again. IF as above posters said, you have zero ammonia and zero nitrite. Let us know what those readings are to be able to tell if you have cycled..

ruthiesmom

API master kit
Nitrates 1.0
ammonia- 0
Nitrites 0
I was just learning about all this when the little one tried to help. So I never cycled the tank properly to begin with.
So if what I have learned is correct my tank is cycled? I am confused it seems like I am missing something.
Tina

jdhef

It sounds like it is cycled. Just keep an eye on your parameters for a little while to make sure you don't get a spike.

ruthiesmom

Ok then thanks.