dont know if im cycled yet newby

adrianthetwin · Jul 8, 2014

Like the title says I'm new to this I have a 10g tank I got I've always wanted a saltwater system and so i did a lot of homework YouTube's uniforms about how to start a system and I'm in the cycle part for like 3 weeks now I am now seeing ammonia lower not all the way to 0 like everyone says and nitrites are still there like .50ppm a d I'm starting to almost notice nitrates is are kind of getting orangeish but still on the yellow side should I do a water change or leave it add a fish thanks guys....I'm so happy to be part of an awesome community.

Pete polyp · Jul 8, 2014

Any ammonia present means its not ready. I'm betting you will see more of an increase in nitrate before its all finished. I personally ghost feed while cycling to keep a constant supply of ammonia to ensure a good hard cycle.

No you should not change the water until the cycle is completely finished.

adrianthetwin · Jul 8, 2014

Awesome I've been adding food and a little bit of shrimp to keep the ammonia up thanks I have a pic of my test but I have no clue were to post but I'll keep you guys posted thanks pete

Pete polyp · Jul 8, 2014

Sounds like you're on the right track. Just keep being patient, that is the key to having success in this hobby

adrianthetwin · Jul 9, 2014

adrianthetwin · Jul 9, 2014

Finally nitrates went up should I keep waiting

adrianthetwin · Jul 9, 2014

This was nitrates a couple days ago

fishroomlady · Jul 9, 2014

I might let the nitrites drop and then do a water change.

adrianthetwin · Jul 9, 2014

Cool thanks maybe like 1 more week ??

fishroomlady · Jul 10, 2014

maybe not, depends on how quickly that happens. Your nitrates showing up at that higher level would make me think your nitrites may come down rather quickly. Then again, I could be totally wrong

I like how you're being conscientious and patient - keys to success in this hobby!

adrianthetwin · Jul 10, 2014

Thanks I take notes from people like you guys I've always wanted a saltwater tank so it's best to be patient then rush it last question do I need a refugium to work with my 10g reef tank or just keep water changes consistent I've heard different things so just want some ideas

adrianthetwin · Jul 10, 2014

Also how much water change is needed in a 10g tankwhen finished thanks guys for the help

mrcoffee2 · Jul 10, 2014

10% weekly would be sufficient, until you get use to it.

A fuge is always going to help, but you can get away with doing weekly water changes. When you feel more comfortable at doing it you can go longer.

I will say that it would be good practice to create a fuge for it. You may have a 10G now but you will be wanting to upgrade in the near future and having a good understanding about what a fuge can do for you and how to set it up will be beneficial.

adrianthetwin · Jul 10, 2014

Awesome Thamks I have anothr 10g sitting there Imma get started on it today hopefully everything goes well the only thing now I wanna make a hole in the tank for a drain for some reason I don't trust the overflow boxes Noe I gotta figure out how Imma make a hole without throwing the water out any ideas???

Dalmatia · Jul 10, 2014

adrianthetwin said:
Awesome Thamks I have anothr 10g sitting there Imma get started on it today hopefully everything goes well the only thing now I wanna make a hole in the tank for a drain for some reason I don't trust the overflow boxes Noe I gotta figure out how Imma make a hole without throwing the water out any ideas???

For a 10g?? Ya use 2 5g buckets!
Go for the extra 10g refu. It will make your life about twice as easy having double the water and more room for any errors.
10g tank is pretty hard on a newby. No room for any mistakes in the water chemistry, one wrong thing and it's gonna hurt! By going with 20g all together will be better off than just running the 10g

Dalmatia · Jul 10, 2014

And should listen to Pete!! Very good guy that knows his reef

adrianthetwin · Jul 10, 2014

Cool I will l heard it wasn't a good idea for me to do a 10g once I had it going I'm torn between getting a bigger tank now if I get a bigger one and use the same sponge filtration I don't have to do cycling all over right?? Lol sorry in asking dumb questions I just wanna do it right I also have a 50g sitting around I'll probably have to transfer everything to it I guess?