danmc00

I just used a test strip on my new aquarium. I have had it setup now for 8 days.

Nitrate 20
Nitrite 0
Hardness 300 Very Hard
Total Alkalinity 300 High
Alkaline 8.4


What do I need to do to get these numbers where they need to be.

Striped Bass

As long as you didnt put any fish in it. For now all you have to do is wait. WHAT ever you do is save your self time money and fish. Wait the common 30 days to it take for your tank and flter to cycle. Do you have any books about aquariums?

danmc00

I don't have any books on them right now, but I was told about 20 days by my LFS.

Jay

Hi danmc00

Welcome to the forums.

The quick answer, like Striper said, is wait until the tank completes the Nitrogen Cycling Process. I do not see any mention of fish so I assume you are going to do a fishless cycle.

It's great you are just starting out. Please take the time to read the stickies posted in the forums on Cycling your Tank, and Water Quality. Reading about and understanding the importance of Cycling a new aquarium is crucial to future success.

Those test readings you got are probably from your tap water as your tank is not even close to a cycle. I would also recommend that you invest in a better testing system. Something equivalent to the Aquarium Pharmaceuticals
Master test kit. Sells for about $18. Test Strips are notoriously inaccurate.

Regards,
Jay