So I finally got a test kit. I feel like a mad scientist with small vials and chemicals and stuff. lol pH in my 55 gallon is around 7.2-7.4 for cichlids. Normal? No ammonia or nitrites, but nitrate level is around 80-100 or so. I know that's high based on what the kit says (around 40 or less), but is this a type of panic situation where you NEVER EVER want those levels to get that high, or just a notice to do more frequent water changes? Occasionally if they get that high is it a big deal? Will it kill fish?
API master freshwater test kit questions...
- Thread starter ChiPerf
- Start date
Cichlids should be fine at that pH.
The nitrate level is quite high, I've had it that high before, but never for an extended period of time. Do a water change as soon as possible. It probably wouldn't kill the fish if they are hardy, but it may stress them out.
The nitrate level is quite high, I've had it that high before, but never for an extended period of time. Do a water change as soon as possible. It probably wouldn't kill the fish if they are hardy, but it may stress them out.
Gotcha. They seem very healthy, as healthy as they have ever been so far. It has been a couple weeks at least since the last water change. I think I might check levels after a water change to see where it puts things then for curiosity. More information can't be bad. 
Thanks.
Thanks.I deal with high nitrates in my tank. Your fish probably wont just die over night but...ive had problems with ich and fin rot because of the high nitrates. The good news is...its as simple as making sure you change the water once a week. If you keep up with weekly water changes than you sould see the nitrates go down in a few weeks.
You need to do as many water changes at it takes to keep your nitrates around 10-20 max. Overstocked or messy fish may need more than a single 50% a week water change.
No problem.
Great point. You should test your tap water to see the levels in that as well. Mine is around 5ppm, so my water never has nitrates below that. Typically I do a water change every two weeks and the levels are around 20ppm. Sometimes I miss water changes, leading to diseases with my other fish. Do check the water levels after the water change.
Great point. You should test your tap water to see the levels in that as well. Mine is around 5ppm, so my water never has nitrates below that. Typically I do a water change every two weeks and the levels are around 20ppm. Sometimes I miss water changes, leading to diseases with my other fish. Do check the water levels after the water change.
Good stuff. I still have a lot to learn. Thanks. I'll post up what the readings are for my tap water tonight.
Thanks. I'll post up what the readings are for my tap water tonight.Another question. What should optimal water temp be for most cichlids? I'm not breeding or anything crazy, just want them to be healthy and active.