Is this normal for a QT cycle?

[Steve1500]

Hi Brew (or anybody else that is out there), I am not sure if my QT cycle stalled or this is just normal. I added NH3 to the tank when the NH3 and NO2 both dropped below .2 (per Dr. Tim instructions even though I switched to Biospira). I have been doing this for about a week now and may NH3 seems to drop pretty fast but my NO2 is around 2 ppm after 24 hrs. My NO3 is around 80-100 ppm. Is this normal. I did take out the 1 lbs of LR and carbon filter about a week ago and so I am wondering if I tossed some of the bacteria with it, thus stalling the cycle. But, I think it might be creeping it's way back to life.

So, once my NH3 and NO2 are below .2ppm (after adding NH3 and waiting 24 hrs), according the instructions I am "cycled" and ready for fish in my QT. But, if my NO3 is around 60-80 ppm after 24 hrs, will a water change take care of this or are there still not enough bacteria to convert the NO2 to NO3? I thought I read somewhere that a water change will lower the NO3, but I am concerned that once fish are in there, there won't be enough bacteria to convert the NO2 to NO3.

Should I wait or change the water once NH3 and NO2 are below .2 ppm? I assume that if I do a water change, I can add fish.

Thanks!
Steve

 

[Brew12]

Hi Brew (or anybody else that is out there), I am not sure if my QT cycle stalled or this is just normal. I added NH3 to the tank when the NH3 and NO2 both dropped below .2 (per Dr. Tim instructions even though I switched to Biospira). I have been doing this for about a week now and may NH3 seems to drop pretty fast but my NO2 is around 2 ppm after 24 hrs. My NO3 is around 80-100 ppm. Is this normal. I did take out the 1 lbs of LR and carbon filter about a week ago and so I am wondering if I tossed some of the bacteria with it, thus stalling the cycle. But, I think it might be creeping it's way back to life.

So, once my NH3 and NO2 are below .2ppm (after adding NH3 and waiting 24 hrs), according the instructions I am "cycled" and ready for fish in my QT. But, if my NO3 is around 60-80 ppm after 24 hrs, will a water change take care of this or are there still not enough bacteria to convert the NO2 to NO3? I thought I read somewhere that a water change will lower the NO3, but I am concerned that once fish are in there, there won't be enough bacteria to convert the NO2 to NO3.

Should I wait or change the water once NH3 and NO2 are below .2 ppm? I assume that if I do a water change, I can add fish.

Thanks!
Steve

How long did it take for NH3 to drop from 2ppm to 0.25 or less? If that was under 24 hours you are fine to add fish. Water change is optional.

Nitrites aren't harmful to saltwater fish in the way they are to freshwater fish. Having nitrites will also make your nitrates test higher. Most nitrate tests work by breaking the nitrates down into nitrites and testing nitrites. So, they are only accurate in a system without nitrites.

Also, you lost some bacteria when you removed the rock but you don't loose any meaningful amount doing a water change. Nitrifying bacteria cling to hard surfaces and you couldn't even scrub them off if you wanted.

 

[Steve1500]

Before yesterday, it took a few days for it to drop below .25 ppm. I added the NH3 yesterday morning and I just tested it this am and it is ~.5. NO2: 2 ppm, NO3: 80 ppm and ph at 7.8. If it drops below .25 ppm tonight, I will add another 2 ppm of NH3 and test tomorrow night. I hope the tank will be ready mid to late week.!

So, assuming my NH3 is below .25 after 24 hrs, even if my nitrates are about 1-2 ppm, I am ok to add fish?

Questions on my coral QT. I plan to start the cycle this week using LR, biospira and a bit of LS. In a previous post, you mentioned that corals are not as sensitive to NH3. At what point is my coral QT ready for corals w regards to NH3, NO2 and NO3? Will I have to dose for CA, alk, Mg etc while in QT?

Have a great Sunday!

 

[Brew12]

Before yesterday, it took a few days for it to drop below .25 ppm. I added the NH3 yesterday morning and I just tested it this am and it is ~.5. NO2: 2 ppm, NO3: 80 ppm and ph at 7.8. If it drops below .25 ppm tonight, I will add another 2 ppm of NH3 and test tomorrow night. I hope the tank will be ready mid to late week.!

So, assuming my NH3 is below .25 after 24 hrs, even if my nitrates are about 1-2 ppm, I am ok to add fish?

Questions on my coral QT. I plan to start the cycle this week using LR, biospira and a bit of LS. In a previous post, you mentioned that corals are not as sensitive to NH3. At what point is my coral QT ready for corals w regards to NH3, NO2 and NO3? Will I have to dose for CA, alk, Mg etc while in QT?

Have a great Sunday!

I'm not sure I would even bother adding more ammonia. I would just give it another day and call it good. If you are dropping 1.5ppm in 24 hours and only plan on adding a few small fish it will be just fine.

Many corals, similar to macroalgae, will consume ammonia directly. And since most corals also do not need to be fed there are minimal ammonia sources. When I set up my coral QT I dumped in some biospira for no reason other than I felt I should. I added coral the next day. I never dosed in my coral QT. I never had it stocked enough or had enough growth to require it. Water changes can take care of most of your needs along those lines but it is a good idea to test at least Alk regularly. If your Alk is stable then it should be safe to say your Calc and Mag are also stable.

 

[Steve1500]

Perfect! For the coral QT do I add 2ppm to get things rolling or is that too much?

Thanks again, you have been a tremendous help!

 

[Brew12]

Perfect! For the coral QT do I add 2ppm to get things rolling or is that too much?

Thanks again, you have been a tremendous help!

I wouldn't add any ammonia to it.

And glad to help.

 

[Steve1500]

But then how does the cycle get started without NH3? Or are you saying a cycle is not really even required. If it is required, what does the biospira bacteria consume?

 

[Brew12]

But then how does the cycle get started without NH3? Or are you saying a cycle is not really even required. If it is required, what does the biospira bacteria consume?

It isn't required. I would just add a little biospira as an insurance policy just in case a coral rapidly dies and decomposes.

I'm not saying you can't add ammonia and cycle it just like your fish QT. I just don't find it important. If you will feel better doing it, then by all means do! Nothing at all wrong being conservative as you learn, in fact it is a great thing. After all, your setup is your responsibility.