is it time for a water change?

[jb1]

i just did a check on my tank
ph 8.2
amm 0
no2 .25 ppm
no3 10 ppm
should i do a water change nowand check again in a day or two
or should i just let it go for a few more days to see what happens
i need a cleanup crew in their (diatoms)

 

[aarone]

i would do a water change to get the nitrates down alittle. The diatoms are natural part of a cycle. No biggie. just do a 10% change and you should see a 10% reduction in nitrates.

 

[dreeves]

If you are cycling...wait until the nitrite is down to 0...give a few days after that and then do your water changes.

 

[michaeltx]

yeah if your cycleing not yet the nitrites will come down as the cycle ends and the nitrates will come up when the nitrites read 0 and nitrates are evelvated then its time for a water change.
Mike

 

[jb1]

my nitrates have already been up to 160 ppm.
i guess i will wait a few more days before i do a water change

 

[dreeves]

Gotta get the nitrites down. Nitrite is deadly for marine life. Once it is at 0, the system is (or should be) operating properly.

 

[thomas712]

I agree with those who say do not do the water change right now. You are almost there, just wait it out. Heck the longer you wait the better. Then when you have 0 amm 0 trites. and have been for a few to several days then your ready for that water change.
Thomas

 

[jb1]

ok thanks