first documented parameters.

[first_time_reefer]

Ph 8.0 ammonia 0
Nitrite. 25
Nitrate 160ppm ?

I'd this normal. I'm 3 weeks into the cycle. should i wait until a month or do a water change now. Kind of a weird reading. Wanted input.
thanks

 

[little_fish]

I would wait to do a water change until the nitrites are at zero, then you are ready to add your first fish!

 

[first_time_reefer]

Thanks Hannah. Appreciate the input.

 

[little_fish]

And while you are waiting for those nitrites to come down, you should work on figuring out the source of your nitrates. Those are some scary high nitrates, so high as to be even toxic to fish

 

[wontonflip]

+1 fish 160ppm nitrates after a cycle? Usually you don't get that high this fast. Check your new saltwater before putting it in; make sure it's got no nitrates. Are you using test strips or drops? Drops are better. Is it red? Also try getting another test kit. Maybe yours is bad (I had a brand new one that I had just opened that turned out to be bad...must've been on the shelf too long).

 

[first_time_reefer]

I have the liquid API test kit. And after five minutes and following the instructions it was bright red. So I'm going to take a sample to my lfs and see what their tests say

 

[Bifferwine]

Yeah, double check that nitrate reading. Test kits can be bad. I have a hard time believing yours are that high!

 

[justanotherfishhead]

Did you use tap water to fill your tank?

 

[first_time_reefer]

Faulty test kit. Took it to my lfs and
Nh3 0
No2 trace
no3 5ppm.

Waiting for the trites to come down then comes the first water change

WOOT

 

[little_fish]

hurray!

 

[first_time_reefer]

Trites St zero. Water change complete. Got a pair of percs and three snails. 1 Turbo and two nassarius everyone is loving their new home.

 

[little_fish]

hurray! Lets see some pics of the little fellas!