Ammonia and Nitrates but no nitrites

[lilysdad]

Hello everyone. Noob here.

I have been cycling my tank for a little about three weeks and I understand that some things will take time but I am consistently reading a 0 nitrite reading from about 6 days into my cycle( which is the time I got the kit).

Currently reading

.25 ammonia (ammonia has stayed constant, never going higher than .5)
0 nitrite
20-40 Nitrate
8.2 Ph

I have 25lbs of live sand and approximately the same amount of live rock in my 20 gallon tank. I also have two damsels at the recommendation of the LFS. I now know that isn't the best idea and I will know better for my next setup!

The tank has quite a few of what appear to be pineapple sponges, feather dusters, bristle worms and random snail/slug looking things that must have been hitchhikers. I did have some brown algae for a few days but after keeping the lights off for a bit, they almost vanished. There is some brown hair like algae on a rock.

I appreciate every ones insight!

 

[Dr. Reef]

i think looking at numbers and small tank with live sand and live rock, you might have not seen a cycle or a mini one if at all. what test kits are you using?

 

[lilysdad]

Hello bnumair,

Are you implying that my tank can be close to cycled if not already?

I am using the api saltwater master test kit.

 

[Dr. Reef]

api is known to show 0.25 on ammonia rest should be ok to test with api.
yes i think your tank has already cycled. you have 2 fish in it and live rock with live sand. i have a feeling it cycled quick due to bacteria you imported with live rock.