Cycling on track

[Schlagg]

I started the curing/cycling process of my 75 gallon marine tank on February 10 and I've been monitoring the progress with the ATI ammonia/nitrite/nitrate water tests.

I only had dry rock and sand when I first started, but added some (10 lbs) of coraline live rock on February 19.

I still didn't see any progression in my ammonia levels so I added 2 pieces of uncooked jumbo shrimp on February 25.

Did some reading on this forum and decided to cave in and purchase some DrTims denitrifying bacteria (240ml) and added this on March 2. The instructions had me remove my sock filter and turn off my lights for 48 hours. I just turned the lights back on and put my sock filter back in and did some water testing.

As of today my levels are as follows: Ammonia - 1.0 ppm / Nitrite - 5.0 ppm / Nitrate - 5.0 ppm and a pH of 8.3

Are these levels consistent with 22 days of cycling? Should I add anything additionally? Should I do any water changes or do I just keep waiting until I see higher levels of nitrate?

Thanks

 

[bios]

Considering your addition of live rocks the 19 and the pieces of shrimp the 25 ....yes
Now you have to wait and let your tank run and cycle ,doing anything

 

[macnets]

In the guide it says to not let nitrites get to 5+ ppm http://www.drtimsaquatics.com/resources/fishless-cycling

I would do a 10% change

 

[Tokash23]

From my understanding just let the bacteria do its thing. You should eventually see you ammonia drop to 0 followed by your nitrites then youll be ready to rock. Somebody correct me of im wrong.

 

[Zero Nitrates]

From my understanding just let the bacteria do its thing. You should eventually see you ammonia drop to 0 followed by your nitrites then youll be ready to rock. Somebody correct me of im wrong.

+1

 

[Smo]

+2. You have to be patient. Keep it going with good flow. No need for lights.

 

[Schlagg]

Thanks for the input guys. I'll just sit back and let the little guys do their thing.