Question: Setting up a new tank, help with readings..

[starkerz14]

I set up a tank yesterday and have started the nitrogen cycle off.. last night I put lots of pellets in an old tight as I'm doing a fishless cycle, done some readings today, they are as follows.. ph 8 ammonia 1.0, nitrite 0.5-1.0, and nitrate 40ppm..

As far as I was aware the nitrate should be reading 0 as I have only just started the cycle.. so what does this mean?? The cycle is already working?

Thanks in advance..

Oli


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[Blade1013]

Do you have any media from a cycled tank in the new tank? Also, check the Ammonia, Nitrites, and Nitrates from the tap. It is possible that any of these could already be in your tap water.

 

[Holly12]

Unless you have media from another, already cycled tank, (which I'm assuming you do because you mentioned a stocking,) there wouldn't be any nitrites or nitrates yet.
You will know your cycle is done when you can purposely put ammonia in the tank and have it read 0ppm in 24 hours. Example: I did a fishless cycle and dosed with straight ammonia instead of fish food. My cycle was done when I could dose the tank and have it read 4ppm ammonia and 24 hours later read 0ppm ammonia and 0ppm nitrites, nitrates under 40ppm with live plants. Nitrates should be under 20ppm if there are no live plants.

 

[starkerz14]

Thanks for the reply's

I tested my tap water and it has 40 ppm of nitrate in it already.. 0 ammonia and 0 nitrite..

I haven't put any media in the new tank from my other tank


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[Cloppy]

then that would be the reason! lol, your tap water is already half/cycled!