Cycle and Nitrates

[Shewillbemine]

My home Internet is down so I apologize for the Pinterest link.

I've been cycling for 2 weeks and adding Dr. Tim's ammonia. I haven't seen ANY nitrite readings but I believe the ammonia is turning directly to nitrates.

As of tonight, I have 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites and the nitrate reading below. I don't trust my eyes. Do you see this as registering nitrates?

If yes, is the next move a water change? I used live rock from another tank and live sand. For what it's worth, a snail and crab have been living in it for the past 2 weeks as they came with the package.

Thanks for any help.

www.pinterest.com/allan1481/aquarium/

 

[CStrickland]

When did you last add ammonia? And how much?

 

[Shewillbemine]

A couple days ago. It read about 1ppm.

 

[CStrickland]

Yeah, it sounds like it can handle the ammonia.
If you've got some algae going for them to eat, I'd prolly add a couple more snails and see how it goes.

 

[sir_dudeguy]

Since it was live rock from an established tank you likely won't see any ammonia spikes, as well as nitrites. Live rock is "cycled" rock. It's good to go. Sometimes you'll get a small spike for a day or 2 with live rock just from moving stuff around, but lots of times you'll be ok. As for the nitrates, it looks like you're between 5-10, which really isn't going to do anything to any creature in your tank, including most corals. Personally I wouldn't do anything unless you're going for some difficult sps right off the bat, then maybe a small water change

 

[Mg4life0331]

I was in a similar situation so I dosed 4ppm.

 

[Luke Schnabel]

STOP STOP STOP adding ammonia! If you know is being broken down to nitrite you don't need to add any more! If you keep doing it you'll have a ton of nitrate and some serious algae!!