Desperate in need of help before I throw in the towel - Amonia issues!
- Thread starter David Y
- Start date
The cycle is making good progress by the readings, and this cycle refers to the nitrogen cycle. Fish waste is amonia, and one set of bacteria breaks that down to nitrite, and another set breaks it down to nitrate. Now nitrate is ok to a point. It shouldn't get higher than 20 or 30 ppm at most, lower is better for water quality since it does add to total disolved solids. But it's rate of increase is related to fish load and feeding levels, so weekly water changes of 25-50% is usually enough to keep nitrate levels down enough. Nitrate is not toxic, except at very high levels, and it's negative effects build gradually with increasing amounts.
It does get easier, and it seems the worst is past but there is still some to go before your cycle or good bacteria is up to good levels. As stated before the goal is 0 amonia and 0 nitrites.
It does get easier, and it seems the worst is past but there is still some to go before your cycle or good bacteria is up to good levels. As stated before the goal is 0 amonia and 0 nitrites.
Yes, your nitrogen cycle is progressing normally per the readings you've posted. What are the "salts" you're adding? Why are you adding them? IMO, Prime is all you need at this point and you'll want to keep a heavy dose in the tank if you show ammonia and/or nitrites between water changes.
salt aka table salt can slow or alter the rate of absorption of nitrite.. in low pH ammonia is less a problem as it exists as NH4..
however, most test test total ammonia (NH3/NH4)
as long as you have live fish in the tank , you best best is to continue water changes
however, most test test total ammonia (NH3/NH4)
as long as you have live fish in the tank , you best best is to continue water changes
