New tank cycle numbers, confused by test results?

[leroy_jenkinz]

Ok so i started my cycle almost exactly 24 hours ago. I used dr tims and the ammonia that comes with his one and only. I didnt know my red sea test kit came with ammonia test so i used API and it was about between the 2-4ppm. Here are my numbers after 24 hours:

Ammonia- 2
Nitrate 5
Nitrite 0

I did test nitrite at about 12 hours into the cycle and there was maybe .02 according to the test but i feel like either the test kit is old or something is a miss as i have such low nitrites and straight to nitrates.

 

[NY_Caveman]

Are you sure it is straight to Nitrates? They could leech from the rock for example. Need to know more about your system. I will note also, a low Nitrite level can cause a false Nitrate reading that is quite high (with any test kit).

 

[NY_Caveman]

I should add, I have no experience using bottled bacteria so there may be factors I am not aware of as well.

 

[leroy_jenkinz]

I should add, I have no experience using bottled bacteria so there may be factors I am not aware of as well.

Well im not totally sure but based on the continued research i made after making this post, sometimes bottled bacteria doesnt show any nitrites for testing. I have 90lbs of dry rock from reef cleaners, and special grade arogonite sand. So my only bacteria should be from the bottle of dr tims.

 

[NY_Caveman]

Well im not totally sure but based on the continued research i made after making this post, sometimes bottled bacteria doesnt show any nitrites for testing. I have 90lbs of dry rock from reef cleaners, and special grade arogonite sand. So my only bacteria should be from the bottle of dr tims.

Right. Sounds good. You are correct the Nitrite stage may be less pronounced and unnoticed.

Some bacteria, perhaps other strains, will form naturally as well. Bacteria will enter the system and populate with no additives even, the Dr. Tim's just speeds the process along.

 

[Don Lidtke]

I am curing 150 lbs of dry rock for my upcoming tank build. I used Dr Tim’s/ammonia and saw the rise of ammonia along with nitrite followed by nitrate. It’s a “normal” cycle I have seen in the past.

I have used Dr Tim’s on both my quarantine tanks with the same results.

 

[leroy_jenkinz]

I am curing 150 lbs of dry rock for my upcoming tank build. I used Dr Tim’s/ammonia and saw the rise of ammonia along with nitrite followed by nitrate. It’s a “normal” cycle I have seen in the past.

I have used Dr Tim’s on both my quarantine tanks with the same results.

i know its only been 24 hours but im seeing a rise in ammonia and nitrate but no nitrites unlike you that was the only thing i was confused about, but i guess i should have done my research because that seems to be normal with some bottles of dr tims

 

[Don Lidtke]

i know its only been 24 hours but im seeing a rise in ammonia and nitrate but no nitrites unlike you that was the only thing i was confused about, but i guess i should have done my research because that seems to be normal with some bottles of dr tims

By the way you have an outstanding username. I played WoW for a good many years and loved the video of LeRoy Jenkins!

I can’t tell you the number of times I was in a PUG running that room and having a wipe.

 

[leroy_jenkinz]

By the way you have an outstanding username. I played WoW for a good many years and loved the video of LeRoy Jenkins!

I can’t tell you the number of times I was in a PUG running that room and having a wipe.

haha thanks man.

so this is day 5 and my numbers look like this and curious if im on the right track?

24 hrs-
ammonia 4
nitrate-5
48 hrs-
ammonia 4
nitrate-10
72hrs-
ammonia 3
nitrate- 30
96hrs-
ammonia 2
nitrate- 40ish
today-
ammonia 1.2
Nitrate 50

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

FWIW, ANY nitrite messes with nitrate readings in many kits.

For example, in some, 0.02 ppm nitrate will read as 2 ppm nitrate.

So don't bother measuring nitrate until nitrite is essentially gone.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

haha thanks man.

so this is day 5 and my numbers look like this and curious if im on the right track?

24 hrs-
ammonia 4
nitrate-5
48 hrs-
ammonia 4
nitrate-10
72hrs-
ammonia 3
nitrate- 30
96hrs-
ammonia 2
nitrate- 40ish
today-
ammonia 1.2
Nitrate 50

Just follow the ammonia decline. It's the only important measure when cycling. It's declining just fine.