Is this ok for a 40 gallon tank?

Question

I have a 40gl tank and it is 7 weeks old.3 stage aqua clear filter and ugf.Gh,KH fine PH at 7.2?

I understand that the cycling period is important and have watched my tank rise with ammonia and then the nitrites rise and the nitrAtes rise. but the ammonia has now dropped to .25-.50 ppm the nitrites dropped to zero ppm and the nitrAtes are now at 10-20 ppm. i know that the ammonia and nitrites have to go to zero and the nitrAtes up a bit reduced by water changes. I think this is the end of my cycling period but not sure due to ammonia up and zero nitrites. is this the end of my cycling period?

Answer 1

If you have used an ammonia lock or detoxifier in your tank e.g. prime, it may show a false reading.  If this is the case, then you would be ok, ONLY if your PH is under 7 because then your ammonia should have been converted to ammonium and should be safe for your fish.  It's not always a good idea to muck around with your PH.  7-8 weeks is a good period for cycling.  It may be a good idea to take a water sample to your LFS for their opinion.

I hope that helped, all the best :)

Answer 2

I agree with picsels. I think you should take a sample and have the store test the water too.

Get a guy that knows what he is doing though!!! Sometimes that is hard to do.

Watch him take the readings.

Have Fun! And do research on the fish that you want before adding them to your tank. Don't forget to float the bag and slowly administer water into the bag before adding them.

I always let them swim out too.

GOOD LUCK FISH MATE!