Water levels

[Vicstod]

Hi,

I recently purchased a tank for my son that currently has 4 temperate fish. However I keep seeing contradicting information in regards to levels so have turned to here for help and guidance and possible a dummies guide on what is ideal? We are currently 2 weeks in. And using the 5 in 1 strips and then ammonia strips + filter boost.




Going of the above guide, at 14 days our levels appear to be:

Nitrite 0.5
Nitrate 50
Hard 7
Carbon 20
Ph 7.2

The carbon hardness has rose. Any help is appreciated as we begin this journey I want to ensure we are doing what’s needed.

[Fish]

I’m new to fish keeping myself but I do know you want to get an API master test kit as the strips can be unreliable I also can’t see an ammonia test on there (ammonia and nitrites should be O).

[Martinspuddle]

Greetings & welcome to

However I keep seeing contradicting information in regards to levels so have turned to here for help and guidance and possible a dummies guide on what is ideal?

There is,



Free download, but I'd suggest reading our guides instead, link: How to cycle your aquarium

You say two weeks, how long is since you added the fish and what species are they?

Also, please post the aquarium size, type.

[Vicstod]

I’m new to fish keeping myself but I do know you want to get an API master test kit as the strips can be unreliable I also can’t see an ammonia test on there (ammonia and nitrites should be O).

Will do that thank you. Ammonia was 0 at last test. As was nitrite on the one before. It is really hard to judge when it is none of the colours.

[Vicstod]

Greetings & welcome to

However I keep seeing contradicting information in regards to levels so have turned to here for help and guidance and possible a dummies guide on what is ideal?

There is,



Free download, but I'd suggest reading our guides instead, link: How to cycle your aquarium

You say two weeks, how long is since you added the fish and what species are they?

Also, please post the aquarium size, type.

Thanks, the first went in 12 days ago. White Cloud/gold Mountain Minnow. 24litre tank with filter, heater to keep between 18-23.

[Martinspuddle]

Thanks, the first went in 12 days ago. White Cloud/gold Mountain Minnow. 24litre tank with filter, heater to keep between 18-23.

We are currently 2 weeks in.

Do I take it the aquatic / pet store told you this was OK to do this? Unfortunately, many store don't give very good advice to new fishkeepers.

Problem is without a fully cycled filter the Nitrite in your case 0.5 is toxic to your fish, although I will say Tanichthys albonubes are pretty robust species.

I suggest you test daily to keep an eye on the levels and change water when they do rise. Are you using a tap water dechlorinator?

Please read our guide: How to cycle your aquarium

We'll help you through this, any issue, don't hesitate to ask.

[fr499y]

What Martin said! And welcome to

[plankton]

Welcome to the forum.
Also agree with Martin.
Water change if you see any ammonia or nitrite. Seachem Prime is a water conditioner that will help neutralize ammonia and nitrite to a point, use it with every water change anyway, it runs out the cheapest as you have to use so little. Get a syringe to measure it.

[Flex365]

Welcome Home

[Vicstod]

Hi,

I purchased the kit recommended. Levels appear to be:

Ammonia - 0.25 (which should be 0?)
Nitrite - 2.0 (again should be 0?)
Nitrate - 0.25 (if we have to pick from guide I’d say 0.5)
Ph 7.4 - 8.0 ?

The last few days algae has started to appear on the tank. Given the above do I keep letting it newly cycle as new and no more fish added. Or should I start doing partial water changes?

Sorry, this is harder than I thought and my son has been asking for a tank for so many years I want it to succeed.

Thanks in advance