nitrate ppm

[dpeipus]

did ammonia cycle. Nitrites finally fell to 0. I did two water changes to get nitrates down. I've heard 40 and 10 ppm? How long after water change for nitrate api test to show drop?

 

[littletankbigworld]

How long did you cycle the tank for? It sounds to me like you didn't wait long enough. It takes anywhere from a month or more, depending. What are your specific readings for ammonia and nitrate? Nitrates should be kept as low as possible, preferably 10-25 ppm or lower.

 

[OrangeCones]

did ammonia cycle. Nitrites finally fell to 0. I did two water changes to get nitrates down. I've heard 40 and 10 ppm? How long after water change for nitrate api test to show drop?

I keep my tanks at 20 or less. I'd test the day after a water change to test again.

 

[dpeipus]

took about 15 days to cycle. ammona and nitrites both at 0. got my nitrates down to less then 10ppm with about 4 50% water changes. I think I cycled so fast because I have eco complete and 6 plants in tank. got some SAEs and dwarf cory's. all seem content so far. cleaning driftwood and plants like crazy. thanks everyone for your help.

 

[Newman]

sounds like a safe start. eco-complete does harbor beneficial bacteria so it should have helped big time.

I agree with Orange in that you should always strive for Nitrate below 20ppm.