How much longer....cycle question....yes again. lol

[Downsouthreefer]

I've been cycling a nuvo 10 fusion now for about 3 weeks. Tonight I got the following test results after brown diatoms started to show up Tuesday.

PH 8.0 or 8.2, Ammonia 0, Nitrite 0.25 down from 0.50, and nitrates 5.0. So what now..do I conduct a 25% water change to see if I can get the nitrates down to 0?

Thanks,

 

[d2mini]

You don't necessarily want niTRATES at zero. A little bit is good. Food for coral.
But your niTRITES should be at zero. Then your cycle is complete.
But yeah, go ahead and do a water change and give it a little more time.

 

[Downsouthreefer]

You don't necessarily want niTRATES at zero. A little bit is good. Food for coral.
But your niTRITES should be at zero. Then your cycle is complete.
But yeah, go ahead and do a water change and give it a little more time.

Thanks, I have changed 2 gallons tonight and will see what the tests read on Saturday.

 

[Downsouthreefer]

OK so today ran another test since I will be busy tomorrow and got the ammonia and nitrites both at 0! Looks like the cycle is done and I can go grab a few snails and maybe a red legged hermit.