New tank and Nitrogen Cycle

[jay_g_hunter]

Hi Guys

Ive added 5 fish to my new 4ft tank...

2 x Electric Yellows

2 x Cobalt Blues

1 x Bristlenose

Ph is good at around 8

Ammonia is 0 ppm

Nitrite is about 1.5 ppm

This is only the first day of having fish in the tank, although ive been running it fish-less for about 2 weeks... My question is (as i keep getting conflicting info off various websites)... Is the Nitrite level normal, and what is the nitrite tolerance level of the average Cichlid? Should i be doing anything to lower the nitrite, or just ride it out untill the good bacteria become present? And how long untill i can add some more fish?

[ant265]

So far seems ok. I wouldnt add anymore fish for a few weeks just watch the readings, the ammonia should stay at 0, the nitrite will go up as it seems to be doing then should go to 0 also as the nitrate goes up then its cycled. Oh and cant really or at least shouldnt until it runs its cycle of chemical conversion.

In conclusion not sure exactly how high they can tolerate the nitrite, as part of cycle it is normal but once cycled only reading should be nitrate which can only be controlled by water changes and yes just ride it out and slowly add more fish once cycled.

HTH

[jay_g_hunter]

So far seems ok. I wouldnt add anymore fish for a few weeks just watch the readings, the ammonia should stay at 0, the nitrite will go up as it seems to be doing then should go to 0 also as the nitrate goes up then its cycled. Oh and cant really or at least shouldnt until it runs its cycle of chemical conversion.

In conclusion not sure exactly how high they can tolerate the nitrite, as part of cycle it is normal but once cycled only reading should be nitrate which can only be controlled by water changes and yes just ride it out and slowly add more fish once cycled.

HTH

Great, thanks for that

so maybe another 5 or so fish in a fortnights time?

Thanks again Ant