New tank cycle

[bella123]

Hi

We are in the process of setting up our new tank (eaReef900S). We have done a lot of research as our first tank didn't work as well as we had hoped.

I have read that as part of the cycle process you should see a spike in ammonia, nitrate etc. We have had the tank running for a about 2 weeks with ceramic rock and 2kg of reef rock in the sump and a little in the tank, no live stock. We have dosed the tank with Evolution aqua pure reef balance, we are running 1 Radion XR15 and a Nyos skimmer.

I have tested the water a few times now, Ammonia = 0, Nitrite = 0.5 and Phosphate = 0.41 (Still waiting for the Nitrate test kit to arrive)

I read that as we do not have any livestock in the tank there was nothing to cause the spike so we have Ghost fed by added fish food and 2 dead prawns over the last week. I would have expected there to be a higher reading in the tests than what I am getting.

The water has turned slightly cloudy but there are no signs of any algae (guessing at a bacterial bloom).

Any feedback or advice would greatly received as we want to get it right from the start this time.

If you require any additional information just ask.

 

[bella123]

bump

 

[GimpyFin]

Since you used Evolution Aqua bacteria in the new tank, you probably won't see an ammonia spike. The bacteria method shortcuts the cycle process instead of using an ammonia source like food/dead shrimp. A common confusion with this method is ghost feeding in addition to adding bacteria, but you really only need to do one method or the other. Similar to starting a tank with established live rock and sand. (The ammonia is getting broken down by the added bacteria, so you generally won't see a spike like if you were to cycle normally with just ghost feeding.) However, I would test your nitrate when the kit arrives just to verify that you have a reading. Anyway, hope that helps.

 

[bella123]

Thanks Brian