Nitrate and Ammonia levels too high?

Question

Hey- just tested a new 45g tank (10 days set up, 4 tiger barbs in it) and the test came out a little high. The nitrites are at 0 , PH 7.0, but my ammonia is at 1.0 and the nitrates are around 5.0. Is this normal for a cycling tank about 10 days in? If not how can I fix it?

Answer 1

Yes, thats normal for a new tank.

But I suggest you do some partial water changes to keep that ammonia level below 1.

You may also find that the nitrite level will rise soon. Thats also normal, but do more water changes if that gets up to 1 as well.

Your Nitrate level is fine, anything under 30 is OK. It will begin to rise once the tank is cycled but you control that with normal weekly partial water changes. Just keep it under 30.

With that size tank it and number of fish it will be possible to cycle it with fish, just make sure the ammonia / nitrite levels dont get too high.

No more fish untill the ammonia / nitrite levels settle down and the cycle has started. Then add teh rest of your fish in stages to let the cycle build up. to the full level.

Ian

Answer 2

You put the fish in way too soon.

You should always set up a new tank and let it run for a month by itself, cycling it by adding donated filter material from either a friend or the aquarium store. You can also boost it by using an additive like Cycle.