theo4thorn
New member
How can i determine when a cycle starts and ends.
what is a cycle in a tank?
- Thread starter theo4thorn
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Fast Eddie H
New member
When your cycle first starts, your amonia will be the first thing to spike. About 7 days later your nitrites will spike followed by your nitrates a few days after that. When all readings return to 0, your tank is cycled.
demonsp
In Memoriam
Yes. You need to get a test kit with nitrate, nitrite , anmonia , and ph . Use this every day to determine where you are. 6 to 8 weeks is normal for cycle but testing is vital and always needed . You will need another kit later for other tests like phosphate and calcium. Never use tap water is #1.
Fast Eddie H
New member
I agree with demonsp. Using RO/DI water right off the bat will save all kinds of money and problems in the long run.
If the tank has live rock for filtration, the term "cycle" doesn't really mean anything useful. In that case, you're just waiting for any dead organisms on the rock to decay and be processed. That might not take much, if any, time, if the live rock is clean and well-cured.
theo4thorn
New member
all of my parameters are good and i guess my tank has already cycled. I have the kit for testing and have been using it regular. I have done two 10% water changes. I am probably being over cautious. thanx
demonsp
In Memoriam
I used fully cured LR and 70 lbs of LS and never really saw any spike in any level. But still wait 6 weeks for any stock. Start with some snails and crabs and add stock slowly. Use a QT tank if possible on any new stock to avoid big problems. This time always for plenty of research. And please dont use a damsel to cycle its not needed.
