Weird water parameters

[oodog]

Hello I recently set up a new biocube14
I have had it running about 2.5 weeks maybe I put dry rock and live sand in there and have been testing everyday for maybe a week now.
pH- is staying stable at 8.0
Ammonia- 2.0, 2.0, 2.0, 3.0, 2.0, 5.0, 0, 0
Nitrite - 2.0, 0, 0, 0, 2, 5, 5+, 5+
Nitrate - 20, 10, 10, 80, 160, 160+, 20-40, 5-10

I added a cube of shrimp on day 2 after test
Did a water change on first day of 160+ nitrates

First time saltwater tank sorry, just wondering whats happening right now.
I plan on picking up some live rock maybe this week when my buddy gets back.
I guess I am just wondering is this looking normal and if I should add a shrimp or crabs or anything yet. Sorry for the long post, any help is appreciated, Thanks!

 

[CarrieB]

You need to wait until the nitrites are zero before adding any livestock.


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[thegrun]

Things look normal, although i would refrain from water changes until the cycle is over. You do want to get any additional rock you plan on adding to the system in there as soon as possible, as adding new live rock can often start a new cycle which will take you back to square one. You do not need to nor should you add any additional dead shrimp or ammonia source, just let nature take her course.

 

[oodog]

You need to wait until the nitrites are zero before adding any livestock.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Things look normal, although i would refrain from water changes until the cycle is over. You do want to get any additional rock you plan on adding to the system in there as soon as possible, as adding new live rock can often start a new cycle which will take you back to square one. You do not need to nor should you add any additional dead shrimp or ammonia source, just let nature take her course.

Thanks for the replies, I only have 5lbs of dry rock, So I'm gonna need to add more so I figure that I should add it sooner rather than later.

Also I didnt cure the rock very good, one of them is starting to grow a light green algae(?) Ive read this might be something just leaking out or maybe somethings already starting to grow, is this normal? thanks!

 

[tzylak]

The rock is curing right now.
The green growth is normal, it will gradually go away.
Wait another 2-3 weeks before adding some light CUC.
Wait another 2 weeks before adding ONE small fish.
have fun