Is this normal?? Cycling...

DuvalTilWeDie904 · Apr 19, 2022

Hello,

I began cycling my new tank on Sunday around 12 or so. Today I decided to go to Petsmart to have my water tested and the guy stated my Nitrites were high, but my Nitrates were super high. He also stated my ammonia was good. Is it possible that the tank is cycling that fast?? I used live sand and bio spira bacteria. I also dosed the tank with ammonia.

Garf · Apr 19, 2022

DuvalTilWeDie904 said:
Hello,

I began cycling my new tank on Sunday around 12 or so. Today I decided to go to Petsmart to have my water tested and the guy stated my Nitrites were high, but my Nitrates were super high. He also stated my ammonia was good. Is it possible that the tank is cycling that fast?? I used live sand and bio spira bacteria. I also dosed the tank with ammonia.

It is fast, but it all adds up. The nitrates are probably not that high as the nitrites interfere with the nitrate test. A pic of the tank would be nice

Rmckoy · Apr 19, 2022

@brandon429

I would begin by asking what test kit they tested with but this is 2022 …. Test kits to confirm cycles is 1990’s way of reefing

swallace · Apr 19, 2022

Rmckoy said:
@brandon429

I would begin by asking what test kit they tested with but this is 2022 …. Test kits to confirm cycles is 1990’s way of reefing

If using test kits is the 90s way of confirming your tank is ready for fish - what is the updated method? Not being crass but generally curious.

Spare time · Apr 19, 2022

swallace said:
If using test kits is the 90s way of confirming your tank is ready for fish - what is the updated method? Not being crass but generally curious.

Lol test kits are the right way. People just give API and other test kits crap because they haven't used them enough to know what 0 looks like on the test kits.

Garf · Apr 19, 2022

swallace said:
If using test kits is the 90s way of confirming your tank is ready for fish - what is the updated method? Not being crass but generally curious.

Lol. Brandon used to make stuff up all the time, he has some disciples on here still. You should still ensure ammonia has been processed, less so nitrite as in itself nitrite is not toxic in saltwater, as it is in freshwater. However to get anywhere near an accurate nitrate reading, the nitrite must be undetectable.

DuvalTilWeDie904 · Apr 19, 2022

Garf said:
It is fast, but it all adds up. The nitrates are probably not that high as the nitrites interfere with the nitrate test. A pic of the tank would be nice

Garf · Apr 19, 2022

Lots and lots of lovely surface area. My only concern is that heater. I assume you’ve got no sump? External temperature controller? Skimmer?

DuvalTilWeDie904 · Apr 19, 2022

Garf said:
Lots and lots of lovely surface area. My only concern is that heater. I assume you’ve got no sump? External temperature controller? Skimmer?

No sump and no skimmer just yet. I figured I couldnt use the skimmer while cycling, but will eventually get one. So far, the heater has kept the tank at 79 or so. I may add another one in the future. Im definitely trying to go that inexpensive route lol

Spare time · Apr 19, 2022

DuvalTilWeDie904 said:
No sump and no skimmer just yet. I figured I couldnt use the skimmer while cycling, but will eventually get one. So far, the heater has kept the tank at 79 or so. I may add another one in the future. Im definitely trying to go that inexpensive route lol

You might want to look at hang on back refugiums too. Aquamaxx even makes a hang on back algae scrubber

Rmckoy · Apr 20, 2022

Garf said:
Lol. Brandon used to make stuff up all the time, he has some disciples on here still. You should still ensure ammonia has been processed, less so nitrite as in itself nitrite is not toxic in saltwater, as it is in freshwater. However to get anywhere near an accurate nitrate reading, the nitrite must be undetectable.

And exactly why I tagged Brandon .
I have always tested each stage of a cycle to watch it progress from one stage to the next .

Cell · Apr 20, 2022

You added a quick cycle product and it worked as intended.

Garf · Apr 20, 2022

DuvalTilWeDie904 said:
No sump and no skimmer just yet. I figured I couldnt use the skimmer while cycling, but will eventually get one. So far, the heater has kept the tank at 79 or so. I may add another one in the future. Im definitely trying to go that inexpensive route lol

What you got for circulation? you’ll need to keep oxygen levels up.

4davegill · Apr 20, 2022

A lot of the bacteria you are trying to colonize is aerobic, meaning it consumes oxygen. If you have a skimmer, even if it is not actively collecting, and a bit more water movement, you will feed those bacteria.

DuvalTilWeDie904 · Apr 20, 2022

Garf said:
What you got for circulation? you’ll need to keep oxygen levels up.

I currently have a 1250 GPH circulation pump in there. Its was just out of the picture. Do you suggest I get another one?

DuvalTilWeDie904 · Apr 20, 2022

4davegill said:
A lot of the bacteria you are trying to colonize is aerobic, meaning it consumes oxygen. If you have a skimmer, even if it is not actively collecting, and a bit more water movement, you will feed those bacteria.

I currently have a 1250 GPH pump in the aquarium. Will that suffice?

DuvalTilWeDie904 · Apr 20, 2022

Cell said:
You added a quick cycle product and it worked as intende

True lol, but I wasnt thinking this fast!

DuvalTilWeDie904 · Apr 20, 2022

Spare time said:
You might want to look at hang on back refugiums too. Aquamaxx even makes a hang on back algae scrubber

I will look into them!

DuvalTilWeDie904 · Apr 21, 2022

Btw, can anyone assist with a question concerning lighting. Like i said before, Im trying to go the inexpensive route and want the cheapest light I can grow soft or easy corals with. I can possibly upgrade further down the line.