Water parameters

[Confusedpanda22]

Hi all
I'm new to fish keeping, had a tank 10 years ago but may as well say I'm starting from fresh.

I've a 300l tank which has been cycling for a few day. Water reading were hardness 120, KH 40, PH 7, Nitrite 0.5 although this could have been 0 was hard to tell and Nitrate 40. Do you think that it looks as if a cycle has begun?

I've used JBl soil and JBL dried Clay substrate in the bottom if that makes any difference as I was wanting to plant it up. I've currently two plants in it.

Also have 2 pieces of oak root soaking to release the tannins which I will add later. Not sure if when I add them it will make a difference to the water.

Appreciate any help you can give.

Thanks
Tom

[Stephen]

Hi Tom and welcome to the forum.

What method are you using to cycle the aquarium ?

[Confusedpanda22]

I'm doing no fish cycling, I've not added any fish food but the have ordered some ammonia which I'm slightly unsure when to add.
I've added all of the water safe chemical, some bacteria starter and and evolution aqua balls as I was given them for free.

[Stephen]

You need to start adding the ammonia straight away.
Use the calculator and add ammonia up to 4ppm to start (4ppm at start only).
https://www.aquariumforums.co.uk/ammonia-calc
Monitor the ammonia every day until it drop to zero and then top up to 2ppm.
Once that drops to zero top up again to 2ppm and so on.
Also monitor the nitrite, this will build up.
At some stage both the ammonia and nitrite will read zero but keep topping up the ammonia to 2ppm.
When there are 3 consecutive days of zeros then the cycle is complete.
This is followed by a big water change and stocking of your chosen fish.

The whole fish-less cycle can take several days to a few weeks, patience is the best method.

All the best

[Confusedpanda22]

Thanks a lot!
Glad I order the ammonia now

[fr499y]

Welcome to

[Lo1]

Welcome to the forum

[plankton]

Welcome to the forum

[Gingerlove05]

Hello and welcome to

[Martinspuddle]

Greetings & welcome to