Cycle Question

[JDubb_4051]

I filled my 75 gallon on Saturday, added Dr. Tims and ammonia (1 drop per gallon per LFS) , had an issue with 2 leaky sumps that led to a few days of scrambling around to replace and re-do plumbing.

During, I asked my LFS what tests I needed to be set up for, he advised only nitrite and nitrate, and was given a red sea kit. After adding the one and only and corresponding ammonia drops, he suggested waiting 3-4 weeks before adding fish. I'll be as patient as I need to.

Long story short, I'm 5 days in measuring my numbers for the first time. I have no idea what my ammonia is, my nitrite is at 0 and my nitrate is 2ppm. Is it possible my tank is near end of cycle already? Anyway to know without testing ammonia? Any harm if I continue to wait a few weeks to add CUC and livestock?

Thanks in advance

 

[virtual reality]

I would still get a ammonia test kit. Better safe than sorry. You want to keep your ammonia at a certain lever for so long.

 

[BeejReef]

I'm only a week ahead of you cycling a 65, also with Dr. Tim's, a bit of live rock, and some dead shrimp.
I know you can't test, but what level do you think you dosed your Ammonia to? 2ppm Nitrate would seem to indicate your bacteria are just starting to get to work in earnest.

Without an ammonia kit, you'll only be guessing at how quickly (if at all) your tank can process a given amount of ammonia.
Waiting a month or more, like you suggested, probably works. Often, all dry rock and no bacteria in a bottle will cycle in that amount of time. Still, like virtual says, without an ammonia kit, you have no way to know when you need to re-dose more.

I feel your pain. Cycling sucks The one fun part about it is testing your ammonia daily (or hourly.. lol) because it's the one thing where you can absolutely see progress

 

[JDubb_4051]

Thanks all...I think I will get additional tests. I don't mind waiting for the cycle but not having visibility to progress drives me nuts. It's the OCD Data Driven Marketer in me

 

[ShaunRobinson]

Thanks all...I think I will get additional tests. I don't mind waiting for the cycle but not having visibility to progress drives me nuts. It's the OCD Data Driven Marketer in me

As above mate, get an ammonia test kit, you need to confirm you have zero ammonia before you can proceed.