Close to being Cycled?

[Kasey Grohowski]

Wondering if my tank is close to being cycled. Yesterday I tested my ammonia at 8 ppm, nitrites at 0, and nitrates at 0. Today, ammonia is at 3 ppm, nitrites at 2 ppm, and nitrates at 30 ppm. Oh yeah I also put in a ton of nitrifying bacteria, so I expect the tank to cycle quickly. I started the cycle 3 days ago. Thank you.

 

[Crazeh]

Wondering if my tank is close to being cycled. Yesterday I tested my ammonia at 8 ppm, nitrites at 0, and nitrates at 0. Today, ammonia is at 3 ppm, nitrites at 2 ppm, and nitrates at 30 ppm. Oh yeah I also put in a ton of nitrifying bacteria, so I expect the tank to cycle quickly. I started the cycle 3 days ago. Thank you.

Sounds like good progress and at that rate I think you're on track for a short cycle, but, only time will tell! Keep testing and goodluck!

 

[Sashaka]

Looks like you're getting there! Waiting for a cycle is one of the toughest things in this hobby. Be patient. It will happen. Drop a piece of whole shrimp in to feed the bacteria while you're cycling. It's easier to scoop out than feeding flakes and vacuuming later.

 

[Kasey Grohowski]

Looks like you're getting there! Waiting for a cycle is one of the toughest things in this hobby. Be patient. It will happen. Drop a piece of whole shrimp in to feed the bacteria while you're cycling. It's easier to scoop out than feeding flakes and vacuuming later.

I'm dosing ammonium chloride.

 

[ShaunRobinson]

Wondering if my tank is close to being cycled. Yesterday I tested my ammonia at 8 ppm, nitrites at 0, and nitrates at 0. Today, ammonia is at 3 ppm, nitrites at 2 ppm, and nitrates at 30 ppm. Oh yeah I also put in a ton of nitrifying bacteria, so I expect the tank to cycle quickly. I started the cycle 3 days ago. Thank you.

Looking good. Over the next few days you should see your ammonia drop to zero and your nitrates spike then start to lower. I would still give it a couple of weeks before putting any cuc in though even if your levels are good. Slow and steady.

 

[Kasey Grohowski]

Looking good. Over the next few days you should see your ammonia drop to zero and your nitrates spike then start to lower. I would still give it a couple of weeks before putting any cuc in though even if your levels are good. Slow and steady.

How much ammonia should the tank drop in a day to be ready for a fish?

 

[ShaunRobinson]

You need to wait until your ammonia and your nitrites are reading zero and your nitrates to drop to around 10 and remain stable for a few days before I would add any livestock to the tank.

 

[Kasey Grohowski]

When should I be expecting algae and diatoms? Also should I turn my lights on?

 

[Crazeh]

As a rough target you want to be able to process 2ppm of ammonia within 24 hour. Nitrates don't always fall on their own (can do if you have mature live rock or macro algae), so you may need a good water change after your cycle to get those down. This is pretty standard.

Diatoms came for me after about 3 weeks. Personally I left lights on but each to their own - there's no need at the moment. I like to encourage 'the uglies' along so left mine on.

 

[Kasey Grohowski]

As a rough target you want to be able to process 2ppm of ammonia within 24 hour. Nitrates don't always fall on their own (can do if you have mature live rock or macro algae), so you may need a good water change after your cycle to get those down. This is pretty standard.

Diatoms came for me after about 3 weeks. Personally I left lights on but each to their own - there's no need at the moment. I like to encourage 'the uglies' along so left mine on.

Do you really need to go through the diatoms and algae stage to be cycled then?

 

[Crazeh]

Do you really need to go through the diatoms and algae stage to be cycled then?

No, the two are unrelated for the most part. Your cycle is all about establishing a good bacteria colony to be able to process waste/ammonia. The completion of your cycle is governed by your test results.

Diatoms is a common algae bloom which normally occurs early in a new tank, as it feeds off silicates within new substrates. It can happen before or after your cycle is complete.