checking nitrates after WC

[pm9ljr]

Hi there... I am cycling my tank and for 3 consecutive days I have had 0 ammonia and 0 nitrites.
nitrates are still quite high

I have started doing WC's 2 a day about 25% each change (my seasoning tank is only 15 gallons)

I treat with prime and aerate and bring to temp of main tank (65 Gallon)

my question is can I check nitrates immediately (ok I do wait an hour filter rated at 380 GPH) after WC? it seems to me to be yes since I just removed 15 gallons and replaced with 15 gallon nitrate free?

Seems like I could just continue to do multiple WC's till I get nitrates down

Thanks

[fljones3]

You might consider a higher WC, say closer to 50% daily.

Frank

[pm9ljr]

ok thanks...I just did 2 WC's which should be about 46% and after 2 hours reading is the same. I will continue doing double WC's this is just the second week of cycling so maybe that's the reason. Anyway I will keep at it.

who knew it could be this much fun

[pm9ljr]

and thinking about it 2nd WC is getting some of the new water I just put in so less than 46%

[Paul Sabucchi]

2x25% water changes will be less effective than 1x50%. If hypothetically you have 100mg/l after the first water change you would have 75mg/ and after the second 56.25mg/l and that is without considering the NO3 produced in the time in-between the two water changes. You may want to consider investing in a container that will allow you to age well over 50% of the water content of your tank.

[pm9ljr]

thanks - i will upgrade my container