0 Nitrates

[Bagheera36]

Hi, I recently went through the process of cycling my 36 gallon corner tank. it has been about 8 weeks now and some would say the tank is still cycling. Here is my question. During the cycling with fish in the tank, I tested the water daily and did PWC's as necessary to keep the Ammonia and Nitrite levels from sky rocketing and killing off my initial stock (btw..no fish lost during cycling). Then the Ammonia and Nitrites dropped down to zero as expected. Within a day of this change I noticed that the Nitrates also dropped to zero. I have added additional fish to the tank since then and the numbers are all holding steady at zero. I am assuming that the tank has developed a biofilter but shouldnt there be a nitrate level reading? I continue to the PWC's weekly with my python to also keep my gravel clean. Is this tank cycled as I am not getting any readings for the Ammonia and Nitrites? If someone could give me some insight I would greatly appreciate it.

Tank: 36 gallon all glass corner
Filter: Fluval 205

Fish:
2 dwarf blue gouramis
1 flame gourami
1 gold gourami
1 rainbow shark
1 gold algae eater cat
3 tetras
( I know, your saying look at all those gouramis they must be fighting but they actually get along quite well)

 

[Rbishop]

I need more info...but I am not sure your tank is cycled.

What kind of test kit are you using? Strips? Liquid? Strips are not that accurate and if liquid, is it past expiration date?

What exactly are your tank readings? ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, Gh and KH? How about those same readings on your tap water after it has set out in a shallow dish for overnight?

Substrate? What if any additives did you use for the cycle and still use now?

 

[Bagheera36]

Hi, well here is some of the information I have about my set up. The test kit I use is a new (not expired) Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Freshwater Master Test Kit (liquid). The last readings on my tank we NH3 = 0, NO2=0 and NO3=0. PH reading at last test was 7.0. With regards to the actual water hardness I am unsure of the stats but the water in this area is generally pretty good, not to soft and not to hard. I have nothing special in my substrate, colored gravel and the tank is not a planted tank, fake plants only although there is substantial algae growth throughout keeping my algae eater in business. I didnt add any freaky chemicals to the tank during cycling, just stress coat for chlorine, some cycle in the very beginning and sea salts with the stress coat at water changes.It had been suggested to me that the nitrates may have been unreadable due to the algae growth making use of it and the fact that I did not have an algae eater in prior to about a week ago. The occupants all appear to be happy so I guess I have that going for me. So what do you think, is a nitrate reading of zero possible? I have nine fish in the tank and have no readings for NH3. Thanks for your input.