This may sound dumb....API test kit

[kasik64]

So, I recently invested in the API test kit, rather than strips. And I feel dumb asking this question...but how do you guys dump out the test tubes? In the trash, down the drain, do you wear gloves, etc... The warning labels on the bottles make me worry haha

 

[domination2580]

So, I recently invested in the API test kit, rather than strips. And I feel dumb asking this question...but how do you guys dump out the test tubes? In the trash, down the drain, do you wear gloves, etc... The warning labels on the bottles make me worry haha

Dude, I don't even sweat any of it...I just pour down the drain amd rinse with hot water...

 

[kasik64]

Awesome, thanks!

 

[alyee5]

yeah, I pour it in a plastic waste cup and flush it down the toilet...I clean the vials and caps with RO/DI...I don't wear gloves, but I use a paper towel to hold them when I shake the vials as sometimes they leak a bit...
no worries

 

[kasik64]

How many times a week do you guys test? My tank is still cycling so I usually do it at least 2 or 3 times a week. Mid week, before water change, after water change, repeat... I probably wont need to after my tank is more established I am assuming.

 

[paintballer1]

I am a psycho tester and test every 2 days but I know this is unnecessary.

 

[IBroughtPopcorn]

How many times a week do you guys test? My tank is still cycling so I usually do it at least 2 or 3 times a week. Mid week, before water change, after water change, repeat... I probably wont need to after my tank is more established I am assuming.

Why are you doing water changes during a cycle?

 

[glb]

How many times a week do you guys test? My tank is still cycling so I usually do it at least 2 or 3 times a week. Mid week, before water change, after water change, repeat... I probably wont need to after my tank is more established I am assuming.

After the cycle, once/week is fine. Good luck!

 

[kasik64]

Why are you doing water changes during a cycle?

I am doing them because it was recommended to me since I have nitrites (that turn into nitrates). And I still have algae and diatoms appearing so I assume my tank is still cycling. (I also have livestock that I am making sure stay alive, and water doesn't become toxic to them.)

 

[IBroughtPopcorn]

I am doing them because it was recommended to me since I have nitrites (that turn into nitrates). And I still have algae and diatoms appearing so I assume my tank is still cycling. (I also have livestock that I am making sure stay alive, and water doesn't become toxic to them.)

I believe you should just let it cycle. You only prolong the cycle by doing water changes. First water change is a few days after nitrites go back to zero. My first tank I did the same thing you're doing and it cause the tank to prolong the cycle. Just let it be and be patient. I just did my first water change on my new 220g and I still have a bunch of hair algae. I have kept the lights off for 3-4 days now and it is going away. During this cycle, I was reading nitrites off the chart and 100 nitrates. When the nitrites went down the nitrates follow. If you are reading nitrites, your Nitrate reading will be high because of it.