Strange Cycling readings

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SteveR

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Jul 1, 2008
1,359
10
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Scotland
I have a small 50 litre tank cycling at the moment (set it up 9 days ago).
filter HOB=400LPH
Temperature = 26degrees

7 Clown loaches (0.75 inch)

The original idea for the tank was my loaches where starving in my 100gallon with my bala sharks who are a bit bigger than them, so I intend to grow them a bit in this tank and move them back. I know I should have left the tank longer, but i added 2 clowns after 3 days, now i have them all in there (yeh - it's been a forced decision as they are literally starving.)
water changes have been 50percent to keep the fish alive.
First day all readings 0.
2nd day - ammo-4.0 Nitrite - 2 Nitrate 0
3rd day - water changed but never checked levels
4th day - ammo 3 nitrite 3 nitrate 0
5th day - no water change or test
6th day - ammo 2 nitrite 4 nitrate 0
7th day - water change no testing
8th day - ammo 1 nitrite 3 nitrate 80
9th day water change then readings
- ammo 0.5 nitrite 0 nitrate 0

I dont understand the last few readings, they make no sense, what has happened here? Can anyone elaborate.
I am using a master freshwater test kit which i've used many times before.
 
perhaps you are developing more of the bacteria that converts ammonia into nitrite, and the last reading could mean that you read it before that little ammonia got converted into nitrite. it also depends on how much you are feeding, but the levels seem consistent to me
 
Did you retest to confirm original test? This is the nitrate test where you have to shake solution #2 for 30sec before adding, and then shake for 60 seconds then wait 5 minutes for reading?
 
Tested water today
10th day - ammo is 0.5 nitrite 0! nitrate 80?
How is that possible?

In my original post please note last reading was nitrate 60-80 also.

Can anyone advise?
 
ive been having strange nitrate readings too but i just realized i havnt been shaking bottle #2 before adding, and i bet this is why. do you think you might be doing the same thing? as far as i understand nitrates cant go anywhere
 
Can you swish the media from your other tank into the new one or put some of the filter media into the new tanks filter?

And have you treated the clowns for worms, I have lost several tiny ones to skinny disease but not a one since treating with levimasole and praziquantel. they seemed to try to eat but then would just sniff the food or mouth it then spit it out, but all the while it seemed they were searching franticly for something to eat.

So if you suspect they arent eating I would treat as a precaution once their new tank is cycled.
 
Nope, I always shake bottle 2, I do it exactly as it says.
How do i treat them for worms, I don't really like adding medication to a tank, bar salt I don't really believe in it.
 
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