Tested water

[thekoimaiden]

Are you sure the test kit is good? They do have expiration dates.

The next thing to worry about is whether or not you are doing the tests properly. You need to follow the directions to a T. If it says wait 5 minutes for the color to develop, you have to wait that long. If it says to shakes the nitrate bottle 2 for 30 seconds, you gotta whack and bang that thing for 30 seconds. These drip kits won't provide scientific accuracy, but they get pretty darn close to the real value.

[brookm]

Originally Posted by thekoimaiden

Are you sure the test kit is good? They do have expiration dates.

The next thing to worry about is whether or not you are doing the tests properly. You need to follow the directions to a T. If it says wait 5 minutes for the color to develop, you have to wait that long. If it says to shakes the nitrate bottle 2 for 30 seconds, you gotta whack and bang that thing for 30 seconds. These drip kits won't provide scientific accuracy, but they get pretty darn close to the real value.

yep i have been reading the test booklet and yes its still good i literally just bought it yesterday

[thekoimaiden]

Just how big is your tank? How much are your water changes? Have you been cleaning the filter media?

It looks like your cycle is trying to establish itself, but is having trouble. Have you considered keeping you betta in another tank while you do a fishless cycle?

[brookm]

5 gallons
I dont know often to clean them but tomorrow will be week 2 since i bought the tank brand new and started cycling
when i started cycling i did every other day now i have been trying to do every 3 days a 50% water change just to be safe since i didnt have my kit yet

I dont have another tank this is the 1st betta I have ever owned and I know I cant afford an other tank at the moment

If you ahve any tips on cleaning the tank etc let me know :)

[thekoimaiden]

It sounds like you might have been cleaning the tank a bit too much in the beginning. Yes there is such thing as too much cleaning. You've got to let the beneficial bacteria establish themselves. Drying out kills them. Do small daily water changes instead of massive ones. Don't touch the filters when you clean. With those readings, you should test your water daily, too.

[brookm]

Originally Posted by thekoimaiden

It sounds like you might have been cleaning the tank a bit too much in the beginning. Yes there is such thing as too much cleaning. You've got to let the beneficial bacteria establish themselves. Drying out kills them. Do small daily water changes instead of massive ones. Don't touch the filters when you clean. With those readings, you should test your water daily, too.

so maybe a daily 25% water change if the levels show its needed?

[thekoimaiden]

That sounds like a good idea.