Cycling Help...

[Kaludar]

Hi All,

So I'm in the process of cycling my first tank with Dr. Tims. I added the solution and dosed the tank to the appropriate ammonia level. It's been about a week and a half and my ammonia is now reading at zero ppm again however my nitrite levels have not come down yet. The Kit i have only reads to 1ppm, but they have been at 1pmm since shortly after dosing my ammonia initially.

My question is, and this might be a dumb question, but should I re-dose ammonia to make sure the bacteria has something to eat while I wait on my nitrites to fall? Dr. Tims website says to re-dose ammonia after both have fallen below .2 ppm, and that once they both fall to zero within 24 hours after dosing my tank is fully cycled. I'm worried my cycle is going to stall if I don't redose ammonia, but the way I understand it im supposed to wait.

Any input appreciated.

 

[Kaludar]

Also just found the sticky regarding this topic, and noticed it's mentioned that nitrites arent actually harmful to marine fish except in every high concentrations. Does this mean I should just ahead and re-dose ammonia and consider my tank cycled once ammonia is reduced to zero within a day, or should I still wait on my nitrites to fall before proceeding?

 

[Style185]

I honestly have never used "snake oil" products (imo) I've always just fed the system brine shrimp or have thrown a raw shrimp in for a few day and let the course take it's path.... usually test parameters after 2 months if all is well add fish.. a nice display takes time don't rush it homie happy reefing and I'm sure someone will chime in with more experience in the method your using.

 

[LesPoissons]

Most reefers now keep nitrates higher so corals dont starve. Under 10 is usually acceptable. 1 is more than fine,
Most of us also cycled with chunk or shrimp or brine shrimp so you may get different advice. If your nitrates came down and the ammonia is 0 then you are off to a good start. You could add a fish and start feeding and fhen in a few weeks test tank see where it is and add another fish if parameters are oaky, etc. Take it slow and dont make huge changes or a ton of changes all at once. And don't chase super specific numbers, you'll drive yourself crazy!