Nitrates Too High Too Fast?

[rmarrandino1]

I just setup my 55-gallon this week. I used Bio-Spira, moved all decorations, and filter bags from my 20-gallon tank.

I fully loaded the tank with fish. The fish have been in for two days. Reading are:


Ammonia .25
Nitrite .25
Nitrate 10

I understand that the tank is pretty much cycled, but are the Nitrates rising to quickly? I don't remember Nitrates rising that fast when I put the 20-gallon up.

 

[hyunelan2]

Your tank isn't completely cycled unti Ammonia and Nitrite read zero. Until that happens, it is hard to anticipate a steadly level that the nitrates will build up.

 

[Lotus]

Have you checked your tapwater for nitrates? The nitrates can rise fast if there are a lot of fish. While 10ppm isn't high, it could be leftovers from some kind of process caused by the Bio-Spira.

 

[rmarrandino1]

Thanks! Our tap water does not have any nitrates in it. I had a reading of 0 yesterday and 10 today. I know that's not a lot, but it did seem like a big jump for one day.

I have added a lot of fish over the past two days and I'm probably overfeeding them right now trying to make sure everyone gets their fair share. I'm assuming that's part, if not most, of the problem.

 

[FroggyFox]

I think it makes sense that during cycling you'd notice more jumps nitrates...but it really doesn't matter too much, if they get too high just do a water change Overfeeding could be contributing to any/all of those three levels..you're right.