update on my cycle and a Q?

[RockabillyChick]

yesterday, my NitrItes finally dropped. from .5ppm to .25ppm and now this morning they are like .05ppm

but for some reason, my ammonia seems to want to stay at .25ppm

i dont know if this is an inconsistancy in the test or what?

holy cow! i just tested my tap water, and the ammonia is .5! i thought it was 0 the first time i tested....

i'm gonna let it sit for a couple more days without a water change and see if the ammonia goes down without me adding more unknowingly.

 

[daveedka]

What is your Kh level????

What type of test are you using ? Liquid or dip strip?


Take a sample to the lfs and have them do a liquid test to verify the accuracy of your home test kit.
Dave

 

[RockabillyChick]

i'm using a liquid test kit, Aquarium Phrmasuticals, and i don't have a kH test. the LFS uses the exact same test as i do, i've seen them use it.

 

[daveedka]

AP is usually accurate enough for our purposes. It still never hurts to cross check them against the LFS's test just to make sure they get the same number you do. The Kh question is important. Nitrification eats up carbonate, and if you Kh depletes it will stall the cycle. Ph numbers amy at least help determine your situation if you have a PH test kit.
Dave

 

[RockabillyChick]

i've been doing small water changes every couple of days, since my nitrites were liking to spike off the charts last week. i want to keep them down within readable levels. so my kH SHOULD be fine, since i've been adding fresh water about 25% every 2 days or so. since i know my water is hard, and i've had a pond for 3 years that's been cycled with absolutely no problems whatsoever with the same tap water in it as whats in my aquarium, i dont think low kH is the issue.

would the local water company know the kH of the tap water? do they test that?

 

[daveedka]

would the local water company know the kH of the tap water? do they test that?

Most do, if you are doing periodic water changes, and have ahrd water it is unlikely that Kh is the issue. Your water company will list it as Carbonate hardness in most cases.
Dave