Cycled or Not?

[branbray07]

Hey guys just wanted to share this with you guys and get your opinion. Tank has been up and running since Dec 24, so about 6 weeks now. I was started with love sand, artificial rock from Aquaforest, marinepure spheres, a bottle of Microbacter 7( Added During the first 2 weeks). A bottle of Dr Tims one and only (added on week 3). Today i went to test and still have ammonia. What is going on???. Tank currently has two small firefish, 5 hermits, 5 snails, and tons of pods that can be seen all over glass( they were added 2 weeks ago). I feed EOD, and just running carbon and skimmer. Why isn’t my cycle complete??.

 

[Peace River]

@brandon429 - thoughts on helping this tank finish cycling?

 

[Garf]

O.4 total ammonia is safe, if that’s what it’s testing. Pic of the tank would be nice

 

[branbray07]

But how about those nitrites?

 

[Garf]

But how about those nitrites?

Ignore them, you got bigger fish to fry.

 

[branbray07]

So good to go to add fish? Also should i do a water change?. Nutrients are not a concern since no corals will be added for at least another month

 

[Garf]

So good to go to add fish? Also should i do a water change?. Nutrients are not a concern since no corals will be added for at least another month

Yes. Welcome to reefin. You got a lot of reading to do.

 

[Dan_P]

Hey guys just wanted to share this with you guys and get your opinion. Tank has been up and running since Dec 24, so about 6 weeks now. I was started with love sand, artificial rock from Aquaforest, marinepure spheres, a bottle of Microbacter 7( Added During the first 2 weeks). A bottle of Dr Tims one and only (added on week 3). Today i went to test and still have ammonia. What is going on???. Tank currently has two small firefish, 5 hermits, 5 snails, and tons of pods that can be seen all over glass( they were added 2 weeks ago). I feed EOD, and just running carbon and skimmer. Why isn’t my cycle complete??.

Did you dose ammonia? How much?

How confident are you with the ammoniatest results? Are they a false positive?

 

[BostonReefer300]

Assuming your major parameters have been stable, you were instantly cycled when you added those bacterial products. I'm guessing you're using an API ammonia test, right? If so, the ammonia reading you're seeing is garbage. Go buy some pre-quarantined fish and get them in your tank!

 

[Garf]

Assuming your major parameters have been stable, you were instantly cycled when you added those bacterial products. I'm guessing you're using an API ammonia test, right? If so, the ammonia reading you're seeing is garbage. Go buy some pre-quarantined fish and get them in your tank!

API takes a lot of crap on this site, one must understand that all hobby test kits are just a guide.

 

[vetteguy53081]

CA a little low but not critical at this time ( should be 400-420)
Tank appears cycled . With ammonia very slightly above ,03, still add some liquid bacteria such as MicroBacter XLM
Stock slowly and enjoy your tank.

 

[branbray07]

API takes a lot of crap on this site, one must understand that all hobby test kits are just a guide.

That is not an API test kid bud, its a spin touch.

 

[Greg P]

There will always be some measureable NH3 in any tank, just not enough in a cycled tank to cause an unhealthy environment.
That doesn't explain your test results, but rather I say this as you have critters which would have adverse effects if the levels were detrimental.

 

[Greg P]

Your still living hermits and snails tell me things are safe

 

[branbray07]

There will always be some measureable NH3 in any tank, just not enough in a cycled tank to cause an unhealthy environment.
That doesn't explain your test results, but rather I say this as you have critters which would have adverse effects if the levels were detrimental.

Exactly. Hence why im a bit shocked to see both nh3 and nitrites

 

[Greg P]

I don't understand your Alk reading of 168.
Am I reading that pic wrong?

Your other params look good aside from the zero PO4
If you add corals watch your NO3 and PO4 as the corals need some, and it helps to combat nuisance algaes etc if the levels aren't zero.

 

[branbray07]

Your still living hermits and snails tell me things are safe

I kinda figured thins since inverts, have a lower tolerance for both nh3 and no2-

 

[Greg P]

Exactly. Hence why im a bit shocked to see both nh3 and nitrites

Anyone close to you who could use their test kit on your water?
Is there a way to calibrate the spintouch?

 

[branbray07]

I don't understand your Alk reading of 168.
Am I reading that pic wrong?

Your other params look good aside from the zero PO4
If you add corals watch your NO3 and PO4 as the corals need some, and it helps to combat nuisance algaes etc if the levels aren't zero.

lol me neither. When i saw it i was like?? what the heck. But hey that doesn’t bother me much or nutrients since corals will not be going anytime soon. Like untill coraline forms soon.

 

[Garf]

That is not an API test kid bud, its a spin touch.

All hobby kits are a guide, which was my point. Guess I’ve got API hate boys on my brain, lol. I have no data on the spinny tests.