Aqua One minireef 120 strange water parameters during cycle

[Jamie May]

Hi, so I have had my aqua one mini reef 120 up and running for just under a week and have some strange water parameter results during the cycle. I have been testing daily for ammonia and nitrite and have only recorded 0.2 for ammonia and nitrite 0, however I did a test for nitrate today and got 20 as the result. I used fluval cycle, but I am pretty sure my tank can’t have cycled in 5-6 days with no noticeable ammonia or nitrite spikes. Does anyone know what could be happening?

 

[Flippers4pups]

With added bacteria, it's possible to accelerate the cycle. Word of caution, it could stall and nitrates may drop and nitrites climb again.

 

[brandon429]

Need pics of your rocks you are cycling in order to see where you are at, cyclers use two different kinds of rocks primarily and they cycle opposite ways...pics

 

[Jamie May]

The rocks are ‘real reef rock’ (dry). I have attached a few pics. Thanks.

 

[Jamie May]

The rocks are ‘real reef rock’ (dry) and I have attached a few pics. Thanks.