Am I cycling my tank correctly?

[Mr.Shrimps]

Added live sand and a piece of dead rock a week or two ago. I kept a raw shimp in the tank for a few days then took it out. I also just two days ago added 3lbs of liverock. My ammonia is over 2.

 

[JUNBUG361]

Nitrite & nitrate readings

 

[thegrun]

You want all the rock you intend to have in the tank for the cycle. If you now have all the rock in the tank you are proceeding correctly.

 

[Ron Reefman]

You want all the rock you intend to have in the tank for the cycle. If you now have all the rock in the tank you are proceeding correctly.

Adding rock after the cycle has started (or even ended) isn't wrong, it just means you may delay getting to the end of the cycle or may start a new mini cycle. There really is no correct cycle, just short and efficient or dragged out by changing things mid stream.

You'll be OK, just keep testing for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate.

 

[Mr.Shrimps]

Thanks for the feedback. I tested today and ammonia is .2-.4 instead of the 2 that is was yesterday. Is this a good thing? Should I add more food to bring the ammonia up?

 

[Frank H]

Check nitrates. After that climbs and falls, nitrates should spike.