Confused on cycle

[colesjensen]

So my tank is currently in the cycle. What confused me is my nitrites are high and nitrates are going down. Isn't it supposed to be the opposite?

 

[azbigjohn]

Are you developing algae, or have any form of algae export going?

 

[colesjensen]

Are you developing algae, or have any form of algae export going?

I have this on my sand and rocks

 

[AcroNem]

Seems like you're in the middle of getting things established, just needs more time. Did you have a high ammonia content when it started? The algae is just the start of a Diatom bloom it's normal in new systems, that should also die off once things level out.

 

[azbigjohn]

I have this on my sand and rocks

That looks like the beginnings of diatoms, which would be expected (and are a good sign) in your ongoing establishment of the ammonia/nitrite/nitrate cycle.

Tell us about the tank and setup? Size? Sump (yes/no) How did you start the cycle?

 

[cnseekatz]

It's normal, just be patient. When the diatoms (brownish goo) disappear, you'll get green algae. At that point, or soon thereafter you should have 0 nitrites or ammonia, and your nitrates will begin to rise. I recommend adding snails and hermits at that point, and waiting until all the green algae is gone before you begin adding fish and coral. Then just start SLOWLY adding stuff in the beginning... like 1 fish every two weeks.

 

[colesjensen]

Seems like you're in the middle of getting things established, just needs more time. Did you have a high ammonia content when it started? The algae is just the start of a Diatom bloom it's normal in new systems, that should also die off once things level out.

Ammonia has been at 0 for a while

 

[colesjensen]

That looks like the beginnings of diatoms, which would be expected (and are a good sign) in your ongoing establishment of the ammonia/nitrite/nitrate cycle.

Tell us about the tank and setup? Size? Sump (yes/no) How did you start the cycle?

220 gallon yes there is a sump. Started it with shrimp

 

[azbigjohn]

220 gallon yes there is a sump. Started it with shrimp

I was hoping others who are better at the chemistry side of things would chime in here... Generally you want to keep going until nitrites are gone. I am not really sure why nitrates would drop unless something (algae, etccc) was using it up. I know as soon as I put chaeto in my sump with lights, my nitrates started falling fast...