Cycling

[Taylah]

On day 2 of cycling. Dosed ammonia and bacteria yesterday. Tested today..
Ammonia= 1.2ppm
Nitrite= 0.05ppm
Nitrate= 2.0ppm
pH= 8.2
Alk= 8
Any reason to why my nitrates are so high? I would’ve expected nitrites to be so high due to the addition of ammonia?

 

[Auquanut]

I'm thinking your cycle is coming along nicely. Your nitrite is kind of a transitional measurement. Two different kinds of bacteria are at work here. One is converting ammonia into nitrite, and the other is converting nitrite into nitrate. As the cycle progresses, and both bacteria's populate, you'll see a drop in nitrite and a continual rise in nitrate.

 

[ThePurple12]

On day 2 of cycling. Dosed ammonia and bacteria yesterday. Tested today..
Ammonia= 1.2ppm
Nitrite= 0.05ppm
Nitrate= 2.0ppm
pH= 8.2
Alk= 8
Any reason to why my nitrates are so high? I would’ve expected nitrites to be so high due to the addition of ammonia?

Did you start with RO water instead of RODI?

Edit: nevermind, I see you added bacteria. It's acting quickly!

 

[ReefStable Verified Sponsor]

Your cycle is coming along nicely. Here is a guide discussing what to expect when cycling a new tank.

 

[SCReef'n]

Don’t bother testing nitrates until your nitrites are 0.