55 Gallon, New Tank, Beginning Cycle???

Filled the new 55 gallon tank yesterday and started filtration with my Aqua clear 110.

Water looks very clean in 24 hrs.

Also added yesterday API quick start and water conditioner.

This is currently a fish-less tank. Will add the fish very soon.

Did a water test this morning and here are the numbers:


Using API kits

KH , 4 drops needed

GH , 7 drops needed

Ph, 7.6

High range ph, 7.4

Ammonia, 0 ppm

Nitrite, 0. ppm

Nitrate, 5 ppm


Is the tank trying to cycle?

Are the fish needed asap?

Am new to the aquarium hobby.

Any help is appreciated......

Thanks...

 

A cycle doesn't establish overnight, unless you have a mature tank you can seed from (which it doesn't sound like you have).
It takes weeks. You can choose to do either a fish-in cycle, or a fishless cycle. In either case you are going to need a source of ammonia to get the cycle-forming process going. In a fish-in cycle, the fish excrete waste that is the source of ammonia. In a fishless cycle, you usually get a bottle of straight ammonia to dose the tank with, or you can use fish food or other organic waste that decomposes in your tank. A fish-in cycle usually takes longer because you have to keep ammonia/nitrite levels down so as not to harm the fish.

As for nitrate, it seems your tap water has 5ppm nitrate. Keep this in mind for when you are trying to find out if your tank has cycle later down the process, because you need to see nitrate levels rise to know your cycle is working. In your case the baseline is 5ppm, not 0ppm as for most people.

 

I would test your source water to see if any nitrates are present.. a cycle can take anywhere from 4-8 weeks.

 

you need to add an ammonia source to feed and grow the bacteria colony

 

I checked my water directly from my faucet as suggested and the same reading was obtained.

Nitrate. 5 ppm measured

Sounds like it is time to add a few fish to get this cycle started.

 

I checked my water directly from my faucet as suggested and the same reading was obtained.

Nitrate. 5 ppm measured

Sounds like it is time to add a few fish to get this cycle started.

Please read this first, before purchasing any fish.
https://www.fishlore.com/NitrogenCycle.htm

 

Yes, lots of options.

Thanks everyone....