New/used tank cycling?

[ADawson23]

Quick back story. Bought my 220 from a seller that kept Cichlids. The tank was drained in December and sat till September 27 when I brought it home and set it up. It is set up as a freshwater tank. I put all new filter pads including a carbon pad in both sides. Since the tank has been running (10-27-21) I have vacuumed the gravel added 4 live plants and did a 25% water change. On Monday the 11th I tested my water and perimeters were
High ph 7.4
PH 7.6
Nitrite .25
Ammonia .50
Nitrate 30

Wednesday I noticed some green algae on some of my plants and substrate. Did a blackout and it all went away. This evening (10-15-21) I tested the water again and my perimeters are...
High ph 7.8
PH 7.6
Nitrite .25
Ammonia .50
Nitrate 80 to 100

My question is do I let the tank just keep doing it’s thang or should I do a water change and if so, how much?

This is my sump. The trays have (from top to bottom) white/blue filter pad, all white pad, and a carbon pad. After that it runs onto the bio wheel. In the center portion of the sump I have lava rock (cleaned and treated prior to adding)

 

[tlindsey]

Quick back story. Bought my 220 from a seller that kept Cichlids. The tank was drained in December and sat till September 27 when I brought it home and set it up. It is set up as a freshwater tank. I put all new filter pads including a carbon pad in both sides. Since the tank has been running (10-27-21) I have vacuumed the gravel added 4 live plants and did a 25% water change. On Monday the 11th I tested my water and perimeters were
High ph 7.4
PH 7.6
Nitrite .25
Ammonia .50
Nitrate 30

Wednesday I noticed some green algae on some of my plants and substrate. Did a blackout and it all went away. This evening (10-15-21) I tested the water again and my perimeters are...
High ph 7.8
PH 7.6
Nitrite .25
Ammonia .50
Nitrate 80 to 100

My question is do I let the tank just keep doing it’s thang or should I do a water change and if so, how much?

This is my sump. The trays have (from top to bottom) white/blue filter pad, all white pad, and a carbon pad. After that it runs onto the bio wheel. In the center portion of the sump I have lava rock (cleaned and treated prior to adding) View attachment 1476089

Do you have fish in the aquarium?

 

[ADawson23]

Do you have fish in the aquarium?

No

 

[tlindsey]

No

Are you dosing with Ammonia? I'm asking because beneficial bacteria needs a food source if you didn't already know that.

 

[ADawson23]

Are you dosing with Ammonia? I'm asking because beneficial bacteria needs a food source if you didn't already know that.

I do and no I’m not. I did for get to mention that all plants are doing good except the water sprite appears to be very dark and “melting” there is some new baby green at the base of it. I did also add about 20 cherry shrimp because they were free and my LFS guy said it wouldn’t hurt.

 

[tlindsey]

I do and no I’m not. I did for get to mention that all plants are doing good except the water sprite appears to be very dark and “melting” there is some new baby green at the base of it. I did also add about 20 cherry shrimp because they were free and my LFS guy said it wouldn’t hurt. View attachment 1476091

Ok how are the Cherry Shrimp doing? You are probably going to lose a few.

 

[ADawson23]

So far so good I do have to keep checking the top tray (2-3 times a day) because they are so small they keep getting sucked in and left on the top filter pad. A quick little finger pick and toss them back in and off they swim lol. Haven’t noticed any dead. Here is the sprite.

 

[tlindsey]

I personally would do a water change to help bring down those parameter levels. The good thing is you have Nitrate so definitely near completion of the Cycle.

 

[tlindsey]

Nice aquarium and stand.

 

[ADawson23]

I personally would do a water change to help bring down those parameter levels. The good thing is you have Nitrate so definitely near completion of the Cycle.

okay might do a 50% WC (add water conditioner of course) tomorrow.