Cycling Reef Tank w/ live rock

[GPSReef]

I added about 60 pounds of live rock to my new 75 gallon tank on friday. Of course I was called out of town for work for the weekend so I left the tank running (it was still cloudy from the live sand) and I came home last night to a crystal clear aquarium. I took readings of salinity ammonia nitrite and nitrate to see where I stood and got some unclear information. Salinity was fine at 1.025 sg. Ammonia came in around 0.3 and Nitrates were reading at 5 ppm. Nitrites were very low (nearly 0). Now I know I will get a more clear picture as I can now test every day but after three days of not being able to test I don't really know what these results mean. Since Nitrite is low and nitrate is high could I already have had a nitrite spike that quick?

 

[GPSReef]

Oh this might be relevant as well Im using api for ammonia and salifert for both Nitrite and Nitrate

 

[rovster]

Depending on the quality of the live rock, you may not see much of a cycle. Being that I've never cycled a tank from scratch, take my advice with a grain of salt, but if the live rock was fully cycled or near it, you may only get a mini-cycle. I would definitely keep testing that ammonia until its 0. I wouldn't think you need to test every day. If in doubt, throw some pellets in there and see if you get an ammonia spike. If not, you're good.

 

[keysfishfinder]

similar experience with my sons 60 using live sand and rocks that had been brewing for about 2 months. The cycle was almost non-existent, after less than 10 days readings were perfect.

Good luck hopefully you have a similar outcome.

 

[GPSReef]

Thanks for the replies! I did buy higher quality rock that had "cooked" for a bit and had heard it would likely shorten any cycle. I'll of course know in a week or so I'll just wait it out and keep monitoring things. If I can't get a better picture in a few days I'll certainly try putting some pellets or a shrimp from the grocery store in there and go from there.
Thanks Again!

 

[AquamanE]

Ide follow something like this, but would wait a good 4-6 weeks before putting in anything anyways. Then start slow, and keep monitoring for a few more weeks, beofre thinking its done. Its a cautious approach. Hard to do I know.

EDIT: i dont think pic came out but basically its a pic of an aquarium Nitrogen Cycle.

 

[GPSReef]

Ide follow something like this, but would wait a good 4-6 weeks before putting in anything anyways. Then start slow, and keep monitoring for a few more weeks, beofre thinking its done. Its a cautious approach. Hard to do I know.

Thanks for your advice! I will take my time no rush to stock that's for sure I want to make sure everything is on point. Until then I will keep testing every few days work on my scape and continue to fine tune the system.