First test results

Ok I just got my test kit in today and have taken my first tests.
pH 7.2
Ammonia .25
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 20

I have had my tank set up for about 5 weeks. Do these results look like im heading in the right track? Do they reflect the end of a cycle or the beginning?
Thanks

 

has your ammonia gone down at all over those 5 weeks? is this the first time you've tested?

 

Hi Meagan. not the end . whilst there is still ammonia, its still cycling

PH7.2 is very low, need 8.2 - 8.3 really

Steve

 

good call I didn't even notice the pH(shame on me) get your pH raised and then test everything again next week. Make sure you test when the lights are on. Don't add anything yet to your tank(fish, corals etc..)

 

I have a buffer mixing with my RO/DI water ot get the ph up.
this is my first test so not sure about the Ammon

 

what kind of ammonia test kit did you buy?

 

I bought the API master saltwater test kit.
I know it's not the best but I figured it would get me started.
I have not been running my lights but I will get them put on. I also have not been running any kind of filtration just a powerhead and heater.
I have LR that I have been useing to help aid in die off as well as flake fish food.

 

Naw API is fine for the basic tests. No, since you haven't been running your lights(which is good, probably kept the algae down to a minimum) your test is probably accurate and you will need to get that 7.2 up to(like Steve said) 8.3-8.4. It's weird, but, pH will go up slightly when the lights are on. Others can explain that, but I forget why. I'd get the pH up to about 8.0 then when you do turn your lights on you can test after they are on for about an hour and see where you sit.

The LR is cool. Wasn't it fun watching all the stuff going on in different stages?

 

PH - CO2 molecules will drive down PH - so when lights are on any algea, plants etc will utilise CO2 and thus PH will raise - after dark same plants will use oxygen and release CO2 and thus PH will fall

 

Thank You Steve!!!