Nitrites 1.0ppm

[Redbird5]

My aquarium has been cycling since May 2nd. Ammonia and nitrites are 0. Nitrates are 1.0ppm. Can I add fish yet?

I'm intending to wait until Friday to add fish.

 

[Red_Beard]

If you add .25 ppm ammonia, is it gone overnight?
If it can process that, you are good to add fish, just dont add too many at once.

 

[Redbird5]

There's been no ammonia for a few days

 

[Red_Beard]

Add .25ppm before bed or work and measure 12 hours later.
You should be good, but that will tell you for sure

 

[Redbird5]

Just feed the tank right?

 

[Red_Beard]

How did you cycle? Guess i should ask. Most have been dosing ammonium of some form directly.

 

[Redbird5]

I used liquid ammonia then added bacteria daily for 15 days.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

Only 1 nitrate to me seems off, we can almost say zero. So zero ammonia and zero nitrate, to me this tank is not cycled. I like to see nitrates up to around 10-20 to consider it 'cycled'.

And 2 weeks is a pretty fast cycle, normally takes 3-4 weeks IME

 

[Redbird5]

Only 1 nitrate to me seems off, we can almost say zero. So zero ammonia and zero nitrate, to me this tank is not cycled. I like to see nitrates up to around 10-20 to consider it 'cycled'.

And 2 weeks is a pretty fast cycle, normally takes 3-4 weeks IME

I'm being extra cautious while I'm cycling my aquarium. I'm willing to wait another 2 weeks.

 

[Red_Beard]

I used liquid ammonia then added bacteria daily for 15 days.

Yep, figure out how much of that liquid ammonia to add that would give you .25ppm, and watch it for 12 hours. If it is back to 0 after 12, add a fish. Start small and go slow.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

If ammonia disappears, you are ready for fish. Nitrite doesn’t matter.