Live rock cycling

[jcmccue]

I am just getting back into salt water aquariums after being out of the hobby for 27 years

I am starting small with a 24 gallon JBJ Nano Cube. I received my live rock last Tuesday (6 days ago). I placed them in the aquarium and refilled the tank with saltwater. The saltwater mix was 5 days old (78 deg F and 1.025 SG).

I have seen very little change in the rock, a few 2-3 small spots with color and some fuzzy material in several places. No other signs of life!

The ammonia peaked and has started to fall, last measurement near zero, nitrates are also following, now about 2-3 ppm. I did a 20% water change yesterday.

I am only keeping the lights on for a few hours per day.

Is this slow progress normal and am I being impatient?

Any help is most welcome

Thanks

 

[cdbias2]

It is normal for live rock to lose most of its color during cycling. The live on live rock is mostly microscopic.
It'll take a couple of months before you know whats going on or what to expect with your rock coloring up.