Nitrate Issue with Fishless Cycle?

[KarlTh]

is that something I'm going to have to normally do? and why would it keep dropping? I'm concerned about the pH and Nitrates...


Date / ph / Ammonia / Nitrite / Nitrate
3/20/09 am / 6.8 / 4.0ppm / 0ppm / 40ppm
3/20/09 pm / 6.6 / 4.0ppm / .15ppm / 40ppm
3/21/09 pm / 6.8 / 3.0ppm / 0ppm / 60ppm
3/22/09 pm / 6.6 / 2.0ppm / .5ppm / 60ppm
3/25/09 am / 6.8 / 1.0ppm / 0ppm / 30ppm
3/26/09 pm / 6.4 / 0.5ppm / 0ppm / 40ppm

I haven't added any ammonia since 3/20... do I need to keep it higher or let it drop off? I'm glad working on my Cobra isn't this hard.

Likely your KH is very low. You need a test kit for this.

 

[7itanium]

I forsee a nitrite spike in your future... followed by a huge drop in all levels and a jump in nitrate

at that point do a 50% water change.. and add fish!

 

[Star_Rider]

is that something I'm going to have to normally do? and why would it keep dropping? I'm concerned about the pH and Nitrates...


Date / ph / Ammonia / Nitrite / Nitrate
3/20/09 am / 6.8 / 4.0ppm / 0ppm / 40ppm
3/20/09 pm / 6.6 / 4.0ppm / .15ppm / 40ppm
3/21/09 pm / 6.8 / 3.0ppm / 0ppm / 60ppm
3/22/09 pm / 6.6 / 2.0ppm / .5ppm / 60ppm
3/25/09 am / 6.8 / 1.0ppm / 0ppm / 30ppm
3/26/09 pm / 6.4 / 0.5ppm / 0ppm / 40ppm

I haven't added any ammonia since 3/20... do I need to keep it higher or let it drop off? I'm glad working on my Cobra isn't this hard.

I agree with Karl test KH.
your pH is starting to get to low levels enough it could hinder bacteria growth

normally you would be adding ammonia daily to feed bacteria.

 

[notfastenuf]

I forsee a nitrite spike in your future... followed by a huge drop in all levels and a jump in nitrate

at that point do a 50% water change.. and add fish!

it's up last night a ton. Nice.