Is my tank FINALLY cycled???

Question

OK. Here it is. After 34 days, I think my 10 gallon tank is cycled. For the last week or so, my nitirties were 0.75 to 1.0 and nitrates were 20. Today, both are zero. Ammonia is also 0. I just though my nitrates were supposed to spike higher than that. What's going on? My nitrites never went over 1 and nitrates never went over 20. (I was pretty much doing daily water changes so the cycle went over a long time). I was just expecting the nitrates to be higher. Are they supposed to be or am I done? (Please tell me Im done!?!?!)

And now what?

Answer 1

Ammonia and nitrites should be zero, and nitrates should be above 0; 20-25 is normal for nitrates just before a water change. Nitrates build up and won't just suddenly be 0 unless you replaced all the tank water. I'd suggest running the test again, just to make sure and if it still says 0 then go out and get another one. Liquid tests are better than test strips.

Make sure you only do a 20% water change once a week, cleaning the gravel then as well. Otherwise you'll keep the tank in a constant state of cycling.

Answer 2

As long as your readings are now zero... You are done!!! Keep checking as you add fish, and do weekly water changes and you should be fine!!  Good for you for being so patient, and avoiding the dreaded new tank syndrome!  

Happy Fish Keeping!

Answer 3

u should be ok!