when should I do a test fo ammonia?

[meowfish]

I have recently set up my 55g freshwater tank. It been going well fo about 6 days now with fish. I am wondering when I should test for ammonia. I bought a master test kit so I can test for all things. I test PH and its at 8.0. Anything else I should know and have forgot to ask let me know. Thanks

 

[daveedka]

If you are cycling fishy then you will want to test for ammonia and nitrite daily untill the cycle is completed (4-6 weeks) at 6 days you will probably have a pretty good ammonia level going already unless you have been doing daily water changes and feeding a bare minimum.

As far as anything else you will want to know there is a lot you will need to know very soon. Fishy cycling can be quite difficult for you and your fish. the more you know the less damage will be done. Read the cycle sticky all the way through, and take notes. Then ask anything that isn't clear and someone here will help you through it.

 

[meowfish]

Thanks for the fast response I love how helpful everyone is. This is the best forum Thanks again.

 

[daveedka]

A couple of things I should add, (I answered very quickly) Once you reach the stage in your cycle where the ammonia has dropped to 0 detectable, you can back off on ammonia testing . Unless you see something odd. Once the nitrite starts dropping on it's own then back off on those tests as well. Then start testing nitrate once a week or so untill you have an estabilished maintenance routine that you know will keep things in good shape.

 

[meowfish]

I tested for ammonia and it was 1 so I will do a water change tonight, My nitrate is good only trace amounts. PH is at 8 and general hardness was 6. I think everything is going good I think.
Thanks again