Cycling? am i doing it right?

[reefnoob88]

Hello Reef Central my name is Matt and i just started up my first 55G salt water tank. The Rock went in on Friday and the tank ran and circulated all Saturday. Its now Sunday and i pulled our all the test kits. I used an API ammonia test kit and it read .5 to 1.0 its hard to see the difference ill get better as time goes on hopefully. I then used the API nitrite test kit which read blue with a hint of purple meaning either none or very little. I haven't yet checked for nitrates yet. I also bought some Stability, a product to help cycle the tank from my local fish store which i will add tonight via the directions included. My question is where do i go from here? keep testing ammonia until it stops rising and begins to fall? The Stability directions says its ok to add a fish while cycling should i get one after adding? Also in case it matters my salinity is 1.025 and my PH is 7.8.

 

[reefnoob88]

 

[reefnoob88]

https://image.ibb.co/maHyNQ/20170826_191630.jpg

 

[Vbwjjeep]

I'm not an expert at all. I added the bacteria the first day the second day the shrimp. Took the shrimp out after a week then spiked with ammonia twice (let it go down then spike back up to 4ppm). Cycled the tank in 3 weeks. As for what to watch I just checked ammonia and nitrites. Ammonia will go away nitrites will spike. Nitrites will go away nitrates will spike then water change and you're good.

 

[Jakers88]

Don't add any livestock till the cycle is complete. I would test every 2-3 days while cycling so you can see how your tank is coming along.

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[RobZilla04]

Ammonia and Nitrites should be 0 before adding livestock.

 

[reefnoob88]

Ammonia and nitrites are on the rise now. I haven't added anything im just gonna wait.

 

[Jakers88]

Ammonia and nitrites are on the rise now. I haven't added anything im just gonna wait.

Good call. Mine dropped then rose a little then stayed low again.

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[top shelf]

Just a recommendation the API test kits are alright to see how a cycle is progressing but I would recommend getting better test kits after that. I have an arsenal of salifert kits for alk, calc, mag, nitrates, and phosphates. They seem to be one of the more accurate tests and that's my personal preference. I'm sure others can recommend some more decent test kits out there. Hannah checkers are available as well but can be pricey to and from what I've read/heard some aren't as accurate as others.

 

[Jakers88]

Just a recommendation the API test kits are alright to see how a cycle is progressing but I would recommend getting better test kits after that. I have an arsenal of salifert kits for alk, calc, mag, nitrates, and phosphates. They seem to be one of the more accurate tests and that's my personal preference. I'm sure others can recommend some more decent test kits out there. Hannah checkers are available as well but can be pricey to and from what I've read/heard some aren't as accurate as others.

Agreed. I use API for now but I'm transitioning to Hanna and salifert.


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[RobZilla04]

Ammonia and nitrites are on the rise now. I haven't added anything im just gonna wait.

It should be about 4-6 weeks to cycle fully. If you used dry/base rock, either live/dry substrate, and NSW (new salt water) you're gonna have to be patient while the tank goes through several ugly stages.

Take this time to research and learn.

 

[reefnoob88]

Just a recommendation the API test kits are alright to see how a cycle is progressing but I would recommend getting better test kits after that. I have an arsenal of salifert kits for alk, calc, mag, nitrates, and phosphates. They seem to be one of the more accurate tests and that's my personal preference. I'm sure others can recommend some more decent test kits out there. Hannah checkers are available as well but can be pricey to and from what I've read/heard some aren't as accurate as others.

Yeah im just using them for the cycle, i already have the red sea alkalinity pro and will be going to more advanced kits in the near future but thank you for the tip. Ill totally check out the salifert kits :thumbsup:.

 

[reefnoob88]

It should be about 4-6 weeks to cycle fully. If you used dry/base rock, either live/dry substrate, and NSW (new salt water) you're gonna have to be patient while the tank goes through several ugly stages.

Take this time to research and learn.

I used live rock and live sand, with new salt water but i can wait the full 6 weeks. I have plenty of patience and honestly enjoy topping it off and doing tests.

 

[Scurvy Dawg]

I used live rock and live sand, with new salt water but i can wait the full 6 weeks. I have plenty of patience and honestly enjoy topping it off and doing tests.

Once your ammonia and nitrites have spiked and zero out, don't forget to test the cycle a few times before you add any fish. I use Dr. Timm's ammonia drops. I dose per instructions and if the ammonia and nitrites zero out within 24 hrs at least two times, I know I am good to go.