Cycling tank.. nitrite level..

[june]

OK i need help to understand these readings....ph 7.2 nitrite 0.25 ammonia 0 nitrate 0. The nitrite i understand as it is still going down not quite cycled fully yet, but why is the nitrate dropping, it's gone from 10 to 5 to 0. Is zero ok or is there something wrong???? I have been at this 10 weeks. PLEASE ADVISE!!!!!! I THOUGHT YOU HAD TO HAVE SOME NITRATE IN THE TANK???? i do have lots of plants in there.

 

[kaysie]

Plants will take in nitrates from the water.

Have you had your water professionally tested? Every test kit I've had has given unreliable nitrate readings.

 

[june]

Thanks Kaysie, so is it ok ? i have heard that about the plants. I have been doing daily water changes to bring the nitrite level down as my axies are in the tank, i have heard that water changes bring the nitrate level down as well,is the correct? Thank you.

 

[kaysie]

Water changes will bring the nitrate level down as well, yes. But I still recommend getting a professional sample done, just as a precaution.

 

[june]

ok today's readings are....ph 6.8 gone down from 7.2 ammonia 0 nitrite 0 nitrate 0. So the ph has fallen a bit, what would cause this ? all others are 0 so i guess the tank has cycled, It has only taken 10.2 weeks!!! Would really appreciate an answer on why the ph has dropped, as it has always been at 7.2. Thankyou.

 

[kaysie]

June, I recommend taking it to a professional shop and getting it tested, as this is the most accurate way to get the actual readings of your tank. Home test kits are notoriously inaccurate.

pH will drop as food rots in a tank. To have a tank cycle, you must have food rotting in the tank (or animals in there excreting ammonia). This could contribute.