I've got my numbers!!

[Pam H]

Well, where'd they go?

Here they are:

Ammonia 0
NitrIte: 10 ppm
NitrAte: 40 ppm
pH: 7.6

We are now fishless. I've yet to get my clear ammonia. Should that be next on my agenda? Can I go ahead and change some water out or is that paramount with no fish?

Thanks
Pam

 

[Faramir]

Your cycle is doing fine, but now Whiskers is RIP, you need to start adding ammonia manually,

Then wait till nitrites hit zero, do a big water change, you'll be there.

Don't do a water change before then; you'll just slow things down.

 

[Pam H]

Great! Thanks for this info! I feel much better now.

BTW, does 7.6 mean hard or soft pH? It was the highest number on the chart.

Thanks again.
Pam

 

[Faramir]

pH doesn't measure water hardness - it measures acidity/alkalinity.

Alkaline water (pH > 7) tends to be hard, but it doesn't necessarily follow.

You should invest in a high range pH test to find the real pH - if it's 7.6, AOK. If it's 8.5 or so, it will influence which fish you will be able to keep successfully.