Help with interpreting test results.

[batang_mcdo]

Hi,

Need help with interpreting test kit result ,
my tank is already in 3rd month of cycling.
yesterday after a few days of no water change I tested the water. ammonia is less than 1 ppm, nitrite a little high.

i made a very big water change.
today when i tested ,
ammonia - seems to be 0? though i'm not 100% sure i'm a little color blind
nitrite - 0 ppm
i tested for nitrate and it's 160ppm
its quite high. is my tank near complete cycle?

thanks.

 

[Onion01]

if ammonia and nitrite are 0, and your nitrate is that high, you are waaay overdue for some waterchanges. But yeah, you are done cycling.

 

[batang_mcdo]

if ammonia and nitrite are 0, and your nitrate is that high, you are waaay overdue for some waterchanges. But yeah, you are done cycling.

thanks. its quite wierd , since i just made a 80% water change last night. i only have an aro in my 300 gallon tank . will have to test our tapwater for nitrates.

 

[Onion01]

if you did a huge water change and only have an aro, then you definitely need to check your water! Is your tank planted? If you aren't gonna put cichlids like oscars, which destroy live plants, some plants would not only help the aro feel more at home, but would also help reduce your nitrates and algae. Other than that, you seem good to go! Post pics!!!

 

[batang_mcdo]

if you did a huge water change and only have an aro, then you definitely need to check your water! Is your tank planted? If you aren't gonna put cichlids like oscars, which destroy live plants, some plants would not only help the aro feel more at home, but would also help reduce your nitrates and algae. Other than that, you seem good to go! Post pics!!!

thanks I have some peace lilies in my sump. but only 3 small plants.
i'll try to post pics of my tank. though the tank is quite a mess i have to rearrange and clean the tank once bacteria is 100 % established

 

[batang_mcdo]

here's a picture of my tank

its really quite a mess.
i rechecked the test kit and its only at 40ppm
should have waited for 5 minutes before checking the result. earlier i checked when it was only 2 moinutes