Shmoe

So I've had my little 5 gallon tank in place for almost 2 weeks now. In it, is ~5 lbs of gravel, a coconut shell with java moss growing on it, a few moneywort plants, small airstone, and a stocking full of gravel from our (Emory and myself) established 29 gallon tank.

I've done testing about every other day and watched the ammonia first go up, to about .25, and then back down. pH first read 7.6, but quickly went down to around 7.2. For about a week now, the pH has stayed there, the ammonia, nitrate, and nitrite levels have all been zero.

My question is, should I expect to see the nitrate or nitrite levels go up, or are the live plants in there negating any spikes? I'm excited to move my new betta over, but I don't want to do it too soon.

Thanks!

CHoffman

What are you using for a ammonia source??

Shmoe

I've put the stocking full of gravel in there from the 29 gallon; that and I've put some plain old fish flake food in there.

Shawnie

hang a piece of raw shrimp in there and cut off some filter media from the 29 gal tank and give it a week then test....

Lucy

The live plants might be absorbing the nitrates.

You might want to test it with some pure ammonia if you have any.
Until you get a reading. Test in 24hrs, if you're back to 0 you're be cycled.

Shmoe

I just remembered (Thanks Emory) that we have a piece of filter from the 29 gallon in the 5 gallon.

I like the ammonia idea Lucy, I'll see if I can try that tonight.