cycling

[angelofdeath132]

my tank has been cycling for only 2 weeks, here are the readings i got today: pH-8.4
nitrIte-.5
nitrAte-10
ammonia- 0
is this right for only 2 weeks? am i ready to go?or do i wait for my trites to drop to 0? i'm using an aquarium pharmaceuticals master test kit.( if that makes any diff.)

 

[carrie1429]

I would wait a while longer until the nitrites get down to 0. Just remenber go slow. I would wait a few more weks before adding anything. JMO

 

[panhead]

I could be wrong but you wont get an accurate
nitrAte reading untill your nitrite has fallen
to 0. mabey one of the sharks can confirm or deny this, but this is what I have always believed.

 

[lexatomic]

I agree...wait a little longer. But the choice is yours. Damsels are always hardy and can take almost any abuse you dish out. I know from experience.

 

[ruaround]

There isnt any specific time frame for a cycle...It could be weeks or months before youre tank has completely cycled. DO NOT get impatient! Go slow, let it stablize and mature with time...IMO the longer you wait and the more you read and learn about the species you want to add the better off you are...

 

[finland]

I agree with panhead about the trate reading. I read that somewhere also. Wait til trites are at 0

 

[demosthenes]

The Saltwater Aquarium Handbook (G. Blasiola):
<strong>Though nitrite is is less toxic than ammonia, it is still somewhat toxic to marine animals because it binds with blood cells, which prevents the normal uptake of dissolved oxygen</strong><hr></blockquote>
I would wait until the nitrites subside, as they are toxic, and then you will have an accurate reading of nitrate, which will help in knowing when and how often water changes are neccessary.