testing question....

[bala_aquarium]

ok last night it tested my water. nitrate tested 28.
so my question is if the amonia gets bad enought then changes to nitrate will amonia show up in the test?

 

[FroggyFox]

huh? Ammonia and nitrate should be two different tests, unless you got test strips in which case I dont know. Ammonia and nitrate are only related in that a few steps down the line ammonia converted to nitrate and we take nitrates out of our tank by doing water changes.

 

[geekrockgirl85]

the fact that you have nitrate means that you shouldn't have a significant amount of ammonia because your cycle is working.

you may get a little spike right after feeding, a water change, or adding a new fish, but it will quickly be consumed by your biobacteria.

speaking of water change, IMO you should do one to lower your nitrates a bit, as they are not consumed by the biobacteria and can be just as toxic as ammonia and nitrite if they're allowed to build up too much.

 

[bala_aquarium]

nitrite i mean.doesnt amonia change into nitrite at a certain point?and if it does will amonia show up when i test for it.or will nitrite only show up.

 

[geekrockgirl85]

nitrite should not have a reading of 28... most test kits don't go beyond about 2 ppm.

and it depends what stage of the cycle you are in. when your nitrite first starts showing up, it is likely to still have ammonia present in the tank.

however the ammonia is being eaten by bacteria, which is what is creating the nitrite, so it shouldn't stick around long.

 

[bala_aquarium]

im sorry it tested .28 not 28.