Cycle Question - Did I miss NO2 spike?

DarfrogDojo · Aug 15, 2020

Cycle Question - I'm on day 10 of this fishless cycle of my Cadlights 70g Artisan reef tank. I'm using the AlgaeBarn rapid cycle kit, which contains Fritz Turbo Start 900 and Algae Barn Nitrocycle from BRS. First 6 days ammonia was 3/ppm and N02 and NO3 was 0/ppm. No tests day 7,8,9 (life got in the way). On day 10 NH3 and NO2 was 0/ppm, but the NO3 spiked to 20/ppm. I used the Red Sea and API test kits. Do you folks think I missed the NO2 spike and it's time for a big water change?

Ron Reefman · Aug 16, 2020

I think you probably did. I'd wait a day or two and keep testing. You shouldn't see any ammonia or nitrite and maybe a slow increase in nitrates.

Then do a water change to get the nitrate down to comfortable levels.

Good luck and have fun!

Blknovass · Aug 16, 2020

Give it time. You have just entered a long marathon not a sprint. However starting off with with good things help ease cycling.

Tomlagoon · Aug 16, 2020

I went by BRS guys - never tested nitrites. Just stayed on top of ammonia . No issues.

DarfrogDojo · Aug 17, 2020

Looks like I probably did miss the nitrite spike. Several people recommended that I add more ammonia to 3ppm. And check again after 24 hours. I did and looks like the tanks handled the ammonia. Levels are back to almost 0ppm. The nitrates are still pretty high (same as yesterday). Probably time for a water change.

Thanks again for your input.

Blknovass · Aug 18, 2020

DarfrogDojo said:
Looks like I probably did miss the nitrite spike. Several people recommended that I add more ammonia to 3ppm. And check again after 24 hours. I did and looks like the tanks handled the ammonia. Levels are back to almost 0ppm. The nitrates are still pretty high (same as yesterday). Probably time for a water change.

Thanks again for your input.

What test kit are you using? I had issues with some of them giving me false readings. I use Red Sea test kits now and have been very pleased with them.