water conditions... fish dyeing?

[misscrosson]

Nitrate- 10
Ammonia- 0

 

[Kasakato]

If the nitrites and ammonia say at 0 for 3 days in a row, Id say your cycled.

 

[misscrosson]

Would they have to stay at 0 without any water changes? Or, could they stay at zero while I'm doing 60% water changes daily?

Also... what are the nitrates suppose to stay at on a cycled tank?

 

[Kasakato]

Yes they would have to stay there without any water changes.

Nitrates under 80ppm are safe. But should be keeped 5-20 in a cycled tank.

 

[misscrosson]

So, while I'm doing water changes... and my Nitrites test out to be zero... should I stop doing the water changes... and just continue to test the water to see if they stay at zero... and if they being to rise... do another water change?

 

[Kasakato]

If they go above 0.5 do a water change. I'm sure by now your tank is cycled.

 

[misscrosson]

Alright... thanks!

 

[Holly9937]

So, while I'm doing water changes... and my Nitrites test out to be zero... should I stop doing the water changes... and just continue to test the water to see if they stay at zero... and if they being to rise... do another water change?

Exactly, and like Kas said if you test for a few days in a row, and the ammonia and nitrite stay at 0 you're good to go!!! I would say it would then be safe to add fish, but I would do so slowly, like only a few a week

 

[misscrosson]

So adding about... 4 fish or so after about a week of everything being at zero would be fine?

 

[Holly9937]

I think so. I think it is underestimated what a tank can handle in terms of adding fish. I put 6 into a 10g QT tank in one day and had no problems...However in light of your recent problems it doesn't hurt to be cautious either!! 3-4 should be fine