Cycling: Is this normal?

[Zpgrimm]

Hello All,

I am new to the saltwater aquarium hobby but have been a fresh water fish keeper for years and I am doing my first fishless cyle. I just bought a Biocube 32 LED and set it up five days ago. I used RO/DI water from my local fish store in addition to dry reef saver rock and aragonite sand. On day one I dosed the proper amount of Seachem Stability and have done so each day as instructed. It is now day five and I have been checking each day expecting the ammonia level to come up but, it is still at 0 ppm. My heater is on and turned up to 79 and I am running Phosguard, ceramic media, and charcoal in my filter. How many days does it take for the cycle to actually begin? I would have thought I would be getting readings for ammonia by now. Any input would be much appreciated.

 

[chuckfu5]

You need to add some ammonia. Dr Tim’s, feed the tank or do the raw shrimp.

Stability puts good bacteria in the tank but it will die off if it isn’t fed with anything.

 

[ihavecrabs]

I second that.

Add an ammonia source (Dr Tims makes one or rotting shrimp will work too, just a little slower) and your cycle will start

 

[Zpgrimm]

How long do I leave the shrimp in for?

 

[chuckfu5]

Just leave it in until it rots gone.