trixster

how Exactly do you know when the cycle is done and its time to add more fish?

Tony G.

Welcome! well, if you have a test kit, and do tests often, you will notice you have no ammonia and nitrite readings, and you have 5-20 nitrates. If you notice your nitrates are above 0 for a couple of days, then you are cycled
is it morning in germany or night ?
lol im going to bed

trixster

Its 10 am lol
I was a little lost you hear about the cycle but on all the websites i went to they never said how to tell when it was done. im also a little concerned about my tests, I have the strips and now im thinking that wasnt the best invesment for accurate readings.

aquarist48

Hello and Welcome to Fish Lore. Below is a link you will find very helpful and is a necessary procedure for fish keeping. http://www.fishlore.com/NitrogenCycle.htm

I see in your aquarium information that you have 5 fish in the tank. Do you know your ammonia, nitrite and nitrate readings now? It would be a big help if you could post them. Too, if you can tell us exactly how you are cycling would be a big help as well.
Are you using Tetra Safe Start (TSS)?
The more information you can share the more help we'll be able to give!
Again, Welcome to Fish Lore
Ken

aquarist48

You are correct trixster...the test strips are not as accurate as the liquid test. API Master (liquid) Test Kit is what is most recommended on this site.
Ken

trixster

the only thing ive put in the tank is the aqua safe with the water changes the tap water here is pretty hard at first with no aqua safe it was > 21 d GH and KH was 20. now these results are from the strips as of this morning
nitrate 10
nitrite 0
GH>14d
KH 6 d
pH 7,6

seprate test strip for ammoina is 0

aquarist48

Your readings look great according to the strips. I just don't know how well I trust them. Is it possible where you live to acquire the liquid test kits? I'm sure you're get some more responses shortly. It's 4:30am here. I just don't see how your tank could have cycled in such a short period of time and that concerns me.

trixster

so i should wait and buy the liquid test right?

trixster

thats what i was worried about I was wondering how the whole cycle was moving along that quickly with only 5 little tetra in there.

trixster

thanks for the help guys this weekend ill head to the store and see if i can find someone who speaks english and hope they can point me in the right direction lol

aquarist48

Yes, I highly recommend the API liquid test kits. It may be under another name where you are but definitely the liquid tests. Check back for more responses Trix. Have fun with the site and take care. Hope you can share some pictures along the way.
ken