Bare bottom cycle issues

[OceansMotion]

Hi guys, so this isn't my first build but first time cycling a bare bottom tank.
So the tank is a 65 gallon tank with 40B sump. I am not running my lights anymore. I have my skimmer running. All rock is dry rock from BRS. It's been cycling for a long time now and the only thing that is still high is nitrite. It's still over 5 and it just hasn't gone down. I've added water from my other tank that's been established for years last week and I've seen a reduction in nitrate from it but nitrite is lagging behind. There is no more ammonia and nitrate went from around 80 to 20.
Also my temp is at 78 which I know it might slow the cycle up but not this long. Also when I had the lights on the tank started getting algae and that's why I turned it off.
If anyone has any Input please share. Thank you.

 

[lolgranny]

How long it been cycling ?


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[lolgranny]

Have you added anything other then your other tanks water?


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[mcgyvr]

Yep...define "cycling for a long time now"
What did you add/do to get the tank to cycle

 

[OceansMotion]

The tank has been cycling since 9/29
Added some nite out II (bacteria) and used dead shrimp to start cycle and been adding fish food every other day

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[mcgyvr]

Stop adding food...let the nitrites drop to zero.. and its ready..
Patience...starting from dry rock can take a good 6 weeks or more...

 

[OceansMotion]

Stop adding food...let the nitrites drop to zero.. and its ready..
Patience...starting from dry rock can take a good 6 weeks or more...

I'm not used to cycling a bare bottom so this is my first time. Usually it's done in 3-4 weeks for most of my builds.
You sure not adding food wouldn't starve the bacteria and cause it to go through another mini cycle when I add fish?

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[mcgyvr]

There is no need to continue feeding the bacteria..
Thats just not necessary at all..They will not starve or weaken or whatever..
That doesnt happen..

 

[lolgranny]

There is no need to continue feeding the bacteria..
Thats just not necessary at all..They will not starve or weaken or whatever..
That doesnt happen..

Agree.

Stop feeding. Get some fish.


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[Misled]

I agree. The slow cycle is from the dry rock, not being bare bottom.