Bitsy,
I think you're taking things a little too literal...
For example, I have a 55 gallon tank that I have had running for about 15 years. It's obviously cycled no? If I do a 40% water change and vacuum the gravel, the nitrates test at 0. Does this mean my tank isn't cycled? Of course not, it just means that I've removed almost all of the nitrates produced by the nitrogen cycle through a water change. As a matter of fact, due to weekly water changes, I never see the presence of nitrates on my tests.
My point is, simply, that a test that indicates 0 nitrates does not mean that the tank is not cycled. It *may* just mean that most of the nitrates have been removed via dilligent water changes and they don't register high enough to color the test.
I'm really not trying to start a debate here, just making a point. I've been in the hobby for over 20 years, and I own a maintenance business. I'm rather familiar with cycling a tank.
Peace out and all...
:
I think you're taking things a little too literal...
For example, I have a 55 gallon tank that I have had running for about 15 years. It's obviously cycled no? If I do a 40% water change and vacuum the gravel, the nitrates test at 0. Does this mean my tank isn't cycled? Of course not, it just means that I've removed almost all of the nitrates produced by the nitrogen cycle through a water change. As a matter of fact, due to weekly water changes, I never see the presence of nitrates on my tests.
My point is, simply, that a test that indicates 0 nitrates does not mean that the tank is not cycled. It *may* just mean that most of the nitrates have been removed via dilligent water changes and they don't register high enough to color the test.
I'm really not trying to start a debate here, just making a point. I've been in the hobby for over 20 years, and I own a maintenance business. I'm rather familiar with cycling a tank.
Peace out and all...
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