Cycle of 40gb starts today. Need help

[Richard the Reefer]

I'm on day 3 and my ammonia is 0.5ppm but my nitrite is 5 or higher. What should I do? Add the 2ppm ammonia or let it go until both are below 1ppm?

Can't find the info...

 

[VR28man]

As I recall, they suggest that you wait until it’s turned completely to nitrAte before adding more ammonia.

 

[K. Steven]

Let both ammonia and nitrite complete their spikes. Once these both reach zero, you will have measurable nitrate. Then, do a decent size water change and you're ready for a fish or two.

 

[User1]

At 20 drops/ml, it would probably be easier to just squirt out 8ml, or just a little less than 2 tsp.

Thanks. I'm starting my 200 + gallon cycle similarly and you just saved me a lot of counting. Because, well, you know how it goes. 1, 2, 3, 5, 10...what number was it again? Didn't think to search on that - so thanks!

 

[Richard the Reefer]

Well after many beers last night I realised I prolonged the cycle! Hell yeah... Not

 

[VR28man]

Well after many beers last night I realised I prolonged the cycle! Hell yeah... Not

The results of too much drinking, put into an aquarium, will cycle. After a long time….

 

[Richard the Reefer]

Will Check the numbers again after work, likely added a week...

 

[Richard the Reefer]

Ammonia .50 ppm
Nitrite above 5 ppm
Nitrates above 160 ppm

How large of a water change should I do to get it back into range for the cycle?

 

[VR28man]

Ammonia .50 ppm
Nitrite above 5 ppm
Nitrates above 160 ppm

How large of a water change should I do to get it back into range for the cycle?

160!!!!! are you sure???!!!!! What test kit did you use; I'm not aware of any test kit that can read that high.

That's insane. Were that the case, it would seem to me that you need a 100% change (if you replenish quickly, it won't hurt the bacteria. it probably won't get it down to 0, either). BUT WAIT FOR a double check on the test AND FOR OTHER PEOPLE TO CHIME IN before doing so.

 

[Brew12]

Ammonia .50 ppm
Nitrite above 5 ppm
Nitrates above 160 ppm

How large of a water change should I do to get it back into range for the cycle?

Don't worry about your nitrate reading, it won't be accurate. Most nitrate tests work by breaking down the nitrates into nitrites and then measuring them. If you already have detectable nitrites it will make your nitrate test read high.

 

[Richard the Reefer]

160!!!!! are you sure???!!!!! What test kit did you use; I'm not aware of any test kit that can read that high.

That's insane. Were that the case, it would seem to me that you need a 100% change (if you replenish quickly, it won't hurt the bacteria. it probably won't get it down to 0, either). BUT WAIT FOR a double check on the test AND FOR OTHER PEOPLE TO CHIME IN before doing so.

Using the API salt kit. Which ive had multiple people say the nitrate is never accurate...

 

[Richard the Reefer]

I did finally find time to get the live rock in though. Once I get back to first shift this will get easier...

 

[Richard the Reefer]

Don't worry about your nitrate reading, it won't be accurate. Most nitrate tests work by breaking down the nitrates into nitrites and then measuring them. If you already have detectable nitrites it will make your nitrate test read high.

Thank you for the advice!!