0 Nitrate cycle

[kbsharp]

Hi Guys wonder if you can help!!!

I started my tank a week ago added Fritz turbo start and i have carribsea live sand and Life rock.

I used the API test got readings like 0.25 for ammonia and Nitrite 0.25 through the week but my Nitrate remains 0. Now my Ammonia is almost 0 and Nitrite almost 0 but still no Nitrates.

I am adding ammonia

Is this normal ? Am i doing something wrong?

Thank you

 

[Dbichler]

My guess is that you havent been adding enough ammonia. Get it up to 2ppm. Then it will go down nitrites will rise and nitrates follow. When ammonia and nitrites are zero then you will get an accurate nitrate reading. Do a large waterchange. Then add one fish every 4 to 6 weeks.

 

[redfishbluefish]

You must have extremely clean rock because the nitrate typically seen first off is that coming from decay from the rock, and not from the completion of the cycle.

Sit back, relax....the ammonia to nitrite bacteria are fast growers, so this first step happens quick when using boost bacteria. The nitrite to nitrate take their time. It will come. Continue ammonia, and your nitrate will show up.

The other approach, once you clearly show that an addition of ammonia disappears, is to say your cycle is "done", and go from there. Unlike freshwater, nitrite in saltwater is not dangerous to fish.

 

[kbsharp]

You must have extremely clean rock because the nitrate typically seen first off is that coming from decay from the rock, and not from the completion of the cycle.

Sit back, relax....the ammonia to nitrite bacteria are fast growers, so this first step happens quick when using boost bacteria. The nitrite to nitrate take their time. It will come. Continue ammonia, and your nitrate will show up.

The other approach, once you clearly show that an addition of ammonia disappears, is to say your cycle is "done", and go from there. Unlike freshwater, nitrite in saltwater is not dangerous to fish.

Yes i have Carribsea life rock it has no die off as its sprayed bacteria onto the rock.

Once it the tank the dormant bacteria activates.

Hmmm i guess ill be patient for those Nitrates and keep my ammonia up

 

[brandon429]

Your cycle is already done see this thread, your tank is the same as his.

Bio-spira works great

I just started a new tank a little over a week ago. I started with all dry rock and new sand. I added a bottle of Bio-Spira and put fish and coral the same day. Never saw any ammonia and fish and coral seem healthy.

www.reef2reef.com

per updated cycling science, only ammonia control is required, we simply don’t have to measure for nitrate or nitrite...so why you aren’t seeing nitrate simply doesn’t factor, you are cycled.

the only difference between you and that thread is Fritz is better bac.