Water parameters? Cycling? I dont know what's going on here.

[jcarson]

So after some vigorous shaking for a few minutes this is my nitrate reading.
Honestly I feel better about this because close to zero is a wild stretch.

40ppm maybe 60ppm but not 80ppm.

 

[Gourami Swami]

So with 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, and high nitrates, I would say your cycle is completed. Now, the problem is the high nitrates. I would double your water change routine and cut back on feeding a bit- 20ppm should be about the highest they go, right before a water change.

 

[jcarson]

Hello; Not sure what you are about. Seems you have posted the same picture from a few days ago. This does not make sense.

It was the same picture Jeff, it was the last time a tested.

Perhaps the best is you go on with running your tanks how ever you wish. No point in my continuing with this thread. You have been given at least two links to decent articles about cycling. My only suggestion is that you give them a good read.

Of course... I will, I’m here to learn and will do what I will do but that doesn’t mean that your advice or others wouldn’t be taking into consideration.

Like I said earlier I “I value this forums advice and feedback” including yours!
But that doesn’t mean I’ll run with whatever sounds good and take it for gold.

I am aware and believe what works for some may not work for all.
And deep down I know you feel the same way.

I have agreed with you on many of your points and opinions because I believe the science behind this. And you have been on point.

What I am about? Just want to have a thriving tank of fish that are as healthy as can be.

Back to my nitrate levels....

So after some vigorous shaking for a few minutes this is my nitrate reading.
Honestly I feel better about this because close to zero is a wild stretch.

40ppm maybe 60ppm but not 80ppm.

 

[jcarson]

So with 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, and high nitrates, I would say your cycle is completed. Now, the problem is the high nitrates. I would double your water change routine and cut back on feeding a bit- 20ppm should be about the highest they go, right before a water change.

Thank you Gourami Swami...
So 0ppm should be the goal on nitrate but up to about 20ppm is as high as I should allow it to get?

 

[skjl47]

Hello; A number of differing opinions on nitrates. The goal of zero nitrates is hard to reach for some. Some report having nitrates in their source water so a WC does less for them than desired.
From my reading keeping them around 20ppm is a common target. A few report using 40ppm as the upper limit and using WC to get it back down to 20ppm.
Near as I can tell the 20 ppm is reported to be a somewhat common standard from those who seem to have decently healthy fish.

 

[jcarson]

Hello; A number of differing opinions on nitrates. The goal of zero nitrates is hard to reach for some. Some report having nitrates in their source water so a WC does less for them than desired.
From my reading keeping them around 20ppm is a common target. A few report using 40ppm as the upper limit and using WC to get it back down to 20ppm.
Near as I can tell the 20 ppm is reported to be a somewhat common standard from those who seem to have decently healthy fish.

Thank you Jeff

 

[Gourami Swami]

Thank you Jeff

Yup, 20ppm in my opinion should be the high-point, 0 is almost impossible to attain, but keeping nitrates betweem 5-20 is pretty easy with weekly water changes. If the tank is heavily stocked 2 per week may be necessary. I do 2 per week on my current tank even though it's below 20ppm when I do them, since more and more frequent water changes seem to be the #1 factor for fast growth in juvenile fish.

 

[jcarson]

Yup, 20ppm in my opinion should be the high-point, 0 is almost impossible to attain, but keeping nitrates betweem 5-20 is pretty easy with weekly water changes. If the tank is heavily stocked 2 per week may be necessary. I do 2 per week on my current tank even though it's below 20ppm when I do them, since more and more frequent water changes seem to be the #1 factor for fast growth in juvenile fish.

Thank you Swami

 

[RD.]

To add to the previous posters info, which is spot on - just keep in mind that a nitrate reading is simply an easy way to monitor the overall water quality in ones tank. When nitrates creep up so do other things, such as the bacteria count in the water, and if high enough the acid build up from organic matter can crash the pH in newer set ups as well. Adding fresh water not only dilutes the pollution, it can also bring with it minerals and trace elements that can also assist with proper growth and overall health.

 

[jcarson]

To add to the previous posters info, which is spot on - just keep in mind that a nitrate reading is simply an easy way to monitor the overall water quality in ones tank. When nitrates creep up so do other things, such as the bacteria count in the water, and if high enough the acid build up from organic matter can crash the pH in newer set ups as well. Adding fresh water not only dilutes the pollution, it can also bring with it minerals and trace elements that can also assist with proper growth and overall health.

Thank you Billy Jack