Is the cycle done?

[Lknickels]

So tank has been up 3 weeks and 2 days. Started with live rock(30lb) and sand(30lb) and Aqua life activate. My ammonia only ever went as high as .50ppm, nitrite went up to .50ppm. They are both now 0 and nitrate is at 5.0ppm. Ph is 8.0. Salinity is 1.024. Temp79.8. So my question is am I still in cycle or has it ended? Had a diatom out break also last week which is gone now thanks to the clean-up crew. Any advise is appreciated. I just want my tank to be fully ready and I don't want to harm any fishes. Thanks!

 

[thegrun]

Since your ammonia and nitrites are now zero, yes your cycle is complete.

 

[dkmcelroy]

Yep... Ready for a fish or two with ammonia and nitrite at zero

 

[mcgyvr]

go slow..
While the tank has cycled they take some time to "mature".

But yes you can start "slowly" adding things to the tank and keep testing to see how it responds..
Start your water changes now too if you haven't already been doing so..

 

[ziggy2]

Go very slowly. Each time you add, your tank needs time to catch back up, until it has matured.

 

[Tspors58]

go slow..
While the tank has cycled they take some time to "mature".

But yes you can start "slowly" adding things to the tank and keep testing to see how it responds..
Start your water changes now too if you haven't already been doing so..

Perfectly said.
Yes cycled stable not so.
1 small step for fishkind.

 

[Lknickels]

Thanks

 

[Chicagoreef2016]

Would adding any bacteria supplements help fortify the tank at this point, considering the addition of fish? Not that you would rush things, just make it a safer landing pad so to speak.

 

[mcgyvr]

Would adding any bacteria supplements help fortify the tank at this point, considering the addition of fish? Not that you would rush things, just make it a safer landing pad so to speak.

IMO... NO.
I don't think you ever need "bacteria in a bottle"...
I feel its mostly "snake oil" or just not really needed nor useful..

But many do add stuff like that..
Many don't also and do just fine..

 

[Chicagoreef2016]

IMO... NO.
I don't think you ever need "bacteria in a bottle"...
I feel its mostly "snake oil" or just not really needed nor useful..

But many do add stuff like that..
Many don't also and do just fine..

Good to know, thx.