Fishless Cycling +40 Nitrates

[feederfish]

I am getting some mixed articles posts about water changes and nitrate levels for fishless cycling.

I am about 5 weeks into fishless cycling and am maxed on nitrites and well over 40 ppm nitrates last time I checked. Ammonia goes from 3 ppm to 0 ppm in about 6-7 hours.

I haven't done a water change and wasn't planning too. Seems that in the past higher nirtrates were a concern in fishless cycling. If I actually reach high or supper high nirtrates should I start to worry? Or was this dispelled as a no issue concern?

Anyway, am increasing heat some to hopefully finish this long last leg of the cycle.

 

[colinsk]

I have read of studies that show nitrates of 200ppm are not harmful to the bacteria. However I have seen a few people stick their cycle with very high nitrites or ammonia.

Based on the reports I have seen here while doing a fishless cycle I would change water to stay below the max reading on your test kit. I don't think 4 ppm nitrites are a problem at all but 10 or so ppm seems to be.

 

[ChrisK]

No need to do any waterchanges during a fishless cycle until the very end, when you are ready to add fish you are doing it correct .

 

[shawnhu]

I've had good results with Ammonia over 8PPM, Nitrite well over the limits of the test kit, and Nitrate levels I don't bother to keep track of.

As ChrisK has stated, do a massive water change when you are ready to add fish, otherwise stick to your cycle and watch for Nitrite to hit 0 consistantly.

Also keep an eye on your PH to make sure it does not reach below 6.

 

[feederfish]

Thanks, I will just keep on, keepin on.