Amelia_brooks21
Aquarium Advice Newbie
- Joined
- Mar 22, 2023
- Messages
- 1
Hi!
I just set up a new 5 gallon tank about 1 week ago and planned to start adding ammonia to begin a fishless cycle. I tested the water and the ammonia to begin with was at 2-3 ppm (I had not added any outside ammonia source-I am thinking it was from the substrate?) I tested nitrite and it was 0.
1 week later, the ammonia is still high, I have zero nitrite, but nitrate is at about 40-80.
I guess my question is, why do I have so much nitrate when my ammonia is still so high? Did I mess this up in some way? I have not yet needed to add ammonia because the level is staying between 2-4 ppm on its own.
I used top fin white sandy aquarium gravel mixed with some gravel I had in the basement that was in a previous aquarium. I have a piece of driftwood in there, a sponge filter, and the temp is at 78 degrees Fahrenheit.
Thanks everyone in advance!!
I just set up a new 5 gallon tank about 1 week ago and planned to start adding ammonia to begin a fishless cycle. I tested the water and the ammonia to begin with was at 2-3 ppm (I had not added any outside ammonia source-I am thinking it was from the substrate?) I tested nitrite and it was 0.
1 week later, the ammonia is still high, I have zero nitrite, but nitrate is at about 40-80.
I guess my question is, why do I have so much nitrate when my ammonia is still so high? Did I mess this up in some way? I have not yet needed to add ammonia because the level is staying between 2-4 ppm on its own.
I used top fin white sandy aquarium gravel mixed with some gravel I had in the basement that was in a previous aquarium. I have a piece of driftwood in there, a sponge filter, and the temp is at 78 degrees Fahrenheit.
Thanks everyone in advance!!