Why Does My Cycling Tank Have Detectable Levels Of Ammonia, Nitrite, And Nitrates?

[pcd0925]

Hi!
I am using the API test kit, and whenever I measure my ammonia, nitrites and nitrates it always shows up as readable, I am using RO water and my saltwater, and my saltwater always shows up as having all 3 while my RO has none.

 

[stella1979]

Remind me... don't you have rocks in your tank? Rocks can leach ammonia, which in a cycling tank should start converting into readable nitrites and nitrates.

 

[TwoHedWlf]

Hi!
I am using the API test kit, and whenever I measure my ammonia, nitrites and nitrates it always shows up as readable, I am using RO water and my saltwater, and my saltwater always shows up as having all 3 while my RO has none.

Because it's cycling, not cycled?

 

[pcd0925]

Remind me... don't you have rocks in your tank? Rocks can leach ammonia, which in a cycling tank should start converting into readable nitrites and nitrates.

Yeah ive got rocks, I was stupid and thought that if I had nitrites I shouldn't have ammonia, my bad.

 

[stella1979]

Not stupid. You're just still converting ammonia, but you're cycle is still in the early stages.

 

[Jesterrace]

Yup, it's all part of the early cycling conversion process. I don't even bother testing the first week, I just leave it alone and then start testing the second week.