Cycle help please

[steven osborn]

These test kits kill me don’t know what one to believe then wondering if maybe I did not read it right I can never know (left side is API test and right is Red Sea test) tank has been cycling since the 3rd of February the nitrates are probably high because I used this dead rock from my old setup which had a nitrate problem tank is a 29 gallon with a 10 gallon sump got a mini protein skimmer running what do you guys think am I cycled yay nay should I put fish in and start water changes or continue to wait it out any help would be appreciated

 

[ShaunRobinson]

I’d be more inclined to stick with the Red Sea tests myself but there’s not that much difference in the readings. You have ammonia and nitrites and as this drops off down to zero of course your nitrates will rise initially. Once your ammonia reads zero your nitrates should start dropping off. Things will take a little longer due to using dead rock and you also need to be testing for Po4 as the rock will likely be leeching it into your water.

Give it a couple more weeks testing every couple of days and you should see things moving in the right direction.

Shaun.

 

[Vahanyos]

I would unplug your skimmer and just keep flow, heater, and lights on for another couple weeks to see what happens. Cycling can be annoying because until it stabilizes, you're going to see a lot of instability

 

[Jason mack]

No your not cycled yet ...if can take like 8-10 weeks too cycle a tank . A tank is cycled when it shows 0 ammonia0 nitrite and when you see your nitrate has spiked you can do a water change to bring it down ..I would also rely more on red sea than api ...
You can get s free app for your phone too record all your results I have aqua note .its a lot better than paper I find .
Take your time you have plenty yet ..research research research ...and lots of patients...