So I am new to saltwater and this is my first time cycling a tank and just wanted to see if these numbers are looking good. My concern is my Nitrate levels. Is it normal during cycling for them to go sky high before they start dropping down again. Should I add Dr. TIm Amonia to boost level to 2.0 or should I wait for all levels to be at or around zero to do again.
Cycling question
- Thread starter ScottyD36
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Looks like you just 1 week into your cycle and things have not settled down yet. Be patient. Generally a minimum of 2 weeks will be needed with some recommending 4-6 weeks.So I am new to saltwater and this is my first time cycling a tank and just wanted to see if these numbers are looking good. My concern is my Nitrate levels. Is it normal during cycling for them to go sky high before they start dropping down again. Should I add Dr. TIm Amonia to boost level to 2.0 or should I wait for all levels to be at or around zero to do again.
Normal to go high then balance out. Yes and no. Depends on the Water and types of rock used. I’m curious why you are dosing ammonia at all. Never seen anyone recommend dosing ammonia during a cycle.
Advice has always been.
Add water, rocks. Wait until ammonia and nitrite read zero. You are ready to go. Which usually takes 2 weeks. But if you want to prevent algae I would recommend at least 6 weeks without the lights on with your preferred method of exporting nutrients running.
Don’t add anything. Let the bacteria work it’s magic on its own.
Fred2482
5000 Club Member
This looks like it should, I would assume the .2 ammonia is a result of test accuracy. The ammonia spiked, followed by nitrite and as the nitrite reduced the Nitrates spiked. This is how it should work. I am a fan of adding ammonia to ensure the cycle is complete. IMO I would add ammonia to 2 and see if it disappears in a day. If not let the cycle run through again. When I used rapid cycle bacteria/ammonia products I always double check at the end to ensure the tank can handle the bio load of the new fish, and usually it kicks off another cycle which I do not add additional bacteria to observe how long it takes.
Fred2482
5000 Club Member
Unless you have some sort of bilogical or mechanical filtration to reduce Nitrates, water change is the way to being them down. Most perform huge water changes after cycles to lower Nitrates.
Fred2482
5000 Club Member
Definitely need to perform a huge water change to reduce nitrates. As far as the ammonia, it's up to you. Anytime I utilize rapid cycle products as soon as I hit 0 ammonia and nitrites, I dose ammonia to 2 and ensure it goes away within a day. Just makes sure it's ready for fish!
