African Cichlid tank and levels questions

[Roody]

Okay, I have been working on a fishless cycle for a 55g tank (new) that will end up being a tank for african cichlids. I just took the latest readings which are listed below. What steps do I need to take now? Am I ready to add fish? Is it time to do a 90% water change and then test again in a few days? Any help would be appreciated.


Ammonia - 0ppm
Nitrite - 0ppm
Nitrate - 20ppm
pH - 7.4

 

[Rbishop]

I would do a water change and add fish...

 

[Roody]

I would do a water change and add fish...

Ok, thanks Rbishop.

 

[bgcoop8784]

agree, water change and start adding fish, don't see the need in the 90% water change though, why 90%. I'd just do a 30% and add a few fish and see how it adjusts.

 

[KarlTh]

Given the pH I'd be concerned the water is not hard enough. Do you have a GH and KH test?

 

[blue2fyre]

agree, water change and start adding fish, don't see the need in the 90% water change though, why 90%. I'd just do a 30% and add a few fish and see how it adjusts.

After a fishless cycle it is best to do a very large water change before adding fish.

 

[bgcoop8784]

oh, never done that before, nothing wrong with it i guess, but I've always just did a normal water change, sounds like more trouble for someone who is just starting out and not used to water conditioning. Is there any reasoning behind this? not trying to criticize or anything.

 

[blue2fyre]

I think it's as a safety precaution because so much pure ammonia is used during the cycle.

 

[Roody]

Given the pH I'd be concerned the water is not hard enough. Do you have a GH and KH test?

My test kit has a pH, Ammonia, Nitrate and Nitrite testers.

 

[Roody]

Thanks for all the input everyone. I finished the 90% water change a couple hours ago and I am looking to add fish this weekend.