high readings during cycling???

[yibs]

This is the six tank I have cycled and have never had reading like this so quick or so high. I just added live rock about 5 days ago and live sand 3 days ago. Here are my stats
temp 81
salinity 1.026
ph 8.1-8.2
ammonia 8.0+
nitrite 5.0+
nitrate 25-30
I'm using that fish doc liquid master test kit that I think everyone has had at one point. The liquid goes darker than the test cards read. Just wondering if this is normal or if I'm in for a bad cycle. All the other tanks I've cycled haven't reached above 3 with ammonia or nitrite and I never had them this high all at once.

 

[dhoch]

Probably a different (more stuff on it) live rock source.

Had the rock you used before been precured? How about this rock?

Dave

 

[Paintbug]

sounds like you may have had more dead stuff on your LR this time. i wouldnt worry about the levels, it just will take more time to complete the cycle.

 

[SaltyNovice]

I just added live rock 10 days ago in a 120. My first reef tank. And it shot up to 8+ the first day. The nitrites have been 0 everyday except yesterday (day 10). My ammonia is still 8+. I too am using the Aquarium Pharmaceutical test kit (I believe that is what you said). Last night my nitrites began to read on my test kit .5 - so I hope my ammonia will come down soon. I know the feeling - I thought I must be killing every living thing in there and was wasting the $ on the live rock. I've done three 25% water changes so far, but to no avail!!! Just my experience so far.

SaltyNovice

PS: Believe it or not - I have some real nice Coraline colors though - Pink, Green, purple, orange. I don't know if they will make it through or not, but it's nice to see some positive changes in the tank in the last 10 days.

 

[yibs]

It was crap rock from imf, half white and half black crap on the rock.

 

[mhhauser]

do a thorough check of your whole tank, do what you can without making any major disruptions and see if you can see

if you have a sump maybe somthing fell in.

 

[yibs]

?????

 

[One Eyed Bunny]

Sounds pretty okay. I mean, cycles on a tank that size will take some time. Also, like everyone has said above, you probably just have more die off than normal. I wouldn't worry about it. Keep checking your parameters and give it a five or more days. You should be okay.