Another cycle question

[Tcox]

Hi RC,

I'm currently cycling a 60 gallon system that I started with Fiji pink live sand and dry rock. I used ammonia and have finally gotten to <.15. My nitrates are at or over 100 according to my salifert test kit. I do not have a nitrite kit. Is it normal to have nitrates this high? For what it's worth I tested my RODI water and it was at zero. Time for water change?

 

[ReeferNoob4ever]

Wow! I'd say you're due for a couple. Make sure that test is correct and get a nitrite tester as well.

 

[thegrun]

Since you are not testing for nitrites it's likely your nitrate test is inaccurate as the presence of nitrites will make your nitrate test results inaccurate. How high did you raise your ammonia level and did you add additional ammonia later or just one time?

 

[Tcox]

I raised my ammonia to about 2ppm on two independent instances, the last instance being about 7 days ago