ANOTHER cycle question

[Dcolognesi]

Hey guys I have a 20 gallon long with 20lbs of live rock and started with some bio-spira. Started 2 weeks ago and have not done any water changes.

As of tonight my parameters were
PH 8.2
Ammonia 0
Nitrite. 0
Nitrate 20 ppm
SG 1.024
Temp 75

Using RO system from LFS, 2 power heads, HOB filter

Is this suggesting my tanks cycle has snuck by me?

Would a smaller tank cycle faster??

Will I see an algae bloom ?
Thanks in advance!!!

 

[Mike J.]

It seems to me that you do have a cycle going, at least a small one. Do a 25% water change and start slowly adding a clean up crew.

 

[Genesis Corals]

If you use all LR, you won't see much of a cycle if any. If it was dry rock and you used some bacteria starter stuff, I would give it another week just to make sure. Otherwise you can start slowly adding stuff. I would get the salinity up to 1.025 or 1.026 for a reef tank with inverts. Yes, you will see an algae bloom most likely. It is affectionately called the "uglies", most tanks go through it when first starting up. It will pass with good husbandry.

 

[Dcolognesi]

Thanks for the replies! Very helpful as always!

 

[Reefing Madness]

If you used Fully Cured Live Rock, you will not see anymore than you already have. 20 on the Nitrate level is a ready for CUC and Fish tank. Its still possible to see a Diatom Bloom though.

 

[Dcolognesi]

The rock was cured. Covered in coralline. Yet the coralline is kind of diminishing????

 

[Reefing Madness]

Yea, lighting, and cal, alk and mag levels must be maintained or it turns white and dies out. You can get it back.