diff --git a/pisces/__init__.py b/pisces/__init__.py
index 680d54c..6d7c300 100755
--- a/pisces/__init__.py
+++ b/pisces/__init__.py
@@ -78,6 +78,7 @@ def read_level_qc(fastq, output_dir, sample_name):
         'nreads': 2000000,
         'base_probs': '0.25,0.25,0.25,0.25,0.1',
         'kmer': 5,
+        'type': None,
         'leftlimit': 1,
         'rightlimit': -1,
         'median-qual': 30,