Nitrate

[marting83]

My new aquarium is currently on its third week of cycling via pure Ammonia. How much Nitrate, in PPM, should be in the water when the aquarium finishes cycling and for the life of the aquarium? - 72 bowfront

 

[oceanjumper]

Don't worry (yet) about the nitrate. It's the nitrite (with an "i") that should be 0 (as should the ammonium). Evt. you're good if your nitrate stays below 25 ppm (but it doesn't matter for the fish, it won't kill them. Higher nitrate rate causes alage to bloom). I admire your patience. Not many ppl can waite that long before adding fish.... Also make sure you do a water change (max. 20%) before adding the fish.

 

[killyah]

when you cycle a tank with pure ammonia , the reading for nitrate in the end would be high! mine was 40-80 ppm after the cycle. i did a 40% water change to lower it down, then another 20% week after, then 20% biweekly. in the long run you want ur nitrate as low as you can. 10-20ppm for fish only would be fine. good luck!!

 

[slick]

Oceanjumper why did you say max 20% water change?
I'm just curious as to why nor 50%?