New tank, cycling, etc

[islandguy85]

Hey everyone. I am new to the forum and just recently set up a 150gal display tank w 20-30gal sump. I have not added any critters to the tank at this point because I don't want to rush things based on what I have read. The system has been running for ~2 weeks at this point. The only thing I have added was salt, API quick start, and instant ocean marine conditioner. I just got my saltwater test kit yesterday and I am showing low levels of ammonia, nitrates, and nitrites. The pH seems to be ~8. My question is at some point will the system correct itself or do I need to add more chemicals to the tank? I see things like proper pH and ammonia remover and am wondering if I need this?

I used to take care of a salt system in college but it was full of inverts and was many years ago. Any advice would be great!

 

[Palyzoa]

What are you using for an ammonia source while cycling? Typically the ammonia will spike and then drop as the nitrite spikes and then drops which then the nitrate will start to raise. Once your ammonia and nitrite spike and return back to undetectable levels, you are cycled and good to add live stock. I guess the answer to your question is yes it will balance itself out in the end and you shouldn't need any ph buffer or additives. However, an ammonia blocker such as Prime, is good to have on hand in case of emergencies.

 

[Idoc]

Look in the articles section of the forum. There's a great article in there on cycling a new tank.

It sounds like you are on your way, though. Just run the course...just keep the ammonia under 5ppm, otherwise you risk stalling the cycle. But, you need the ammonia and nitrites at this point in order for the bacteria that reduces those chemicals to feed and increase in number.

Did you start with live rock or dry rock?

 

[jeff williams]

Hey everyone. I am new to the forum and just recently set up a 150gal display tank w 20-30gal sump. I have not added any critters to the tank at this point because I don't want to rush things based on what I have read. The system has been running for ~2 weeks at this point. The only thing I have added was salt, API quick start, and instant ocean marine conditioner. I just got my saltwater test kit yesterday and I am showing low levels of ammonia, nitrates, and nitrites. The pH seems to be ~8. My question is at some point will the system correct itself or do I need to add more chemicals to the tank? I see things like proper pH and ammonia remover and am wondering if I need this?

I used to take care of a salt system in college but it was full of inverts and was many years ago. Any advice would be great!

Yes the system with correct itself you are seeing the nitrogen cycle in process. you didn't add an ammonia source with the api quick start?

 

[islandguy85]

This whole setup came used. It was live rock, but when I got it the system was in pretty rough shape and I cleaned everything entirely. I did not add any ammonia source. I just don't know if it is cycling, and what point I am at.

 

[jeff williams]

Ok so what it sounds like to me is during the move and reset up some of the live rock probably died and that's the ammonia you are reading this is ok because with the addition of the Api quick start your cycle is moving along. My recommendation would be to continue monitoring your ammonia and nitritte when the ammonia hits zero and the nitritte is .25 or less you should be fine to add a fish or two. Once you add fish keep checking the ammonia just to make sure everything is ok if you register ammonia I would dose some more api or bio spira or fluval cycle which ever you choose will work fine also if you do see ammonia don't panic total ammonia is what most test kits measure and free ammonia is what kills fish. Api test kit measures total seachem measures both you could also add an ammonia badge to the tank it measures only free ammonia

 

[islandguy85]

Jeff I appreciate the response and info. I would say that all of the live rock died. The tank was in such rough shape (also was leaking at seams, that was my first thread on here ) that I completely dried it out, rewelded joints, and had all of the rock out and hit it with high pressure hose and let it dry out all the way. I also cleaned out the sand thoroughly.
I am going to get something to measure the free ammonia with as well and get some prime to just have on hand.
I plan on going out of town and will check the tank next Friday and we will see where I stand. Hopefully I will be ordering fish next weekend. Thanks!

 

[jeff williams]

Jeff I appreciate the response and info. I would say that all of the live rock died. The tank was in such rough shape (also was leaking at seams, that was my first thread on here ) that I completely dried it out, rewelded joints, and had all of the rock out and hit it with high pressure hose and let it dry out all the way. I also cleaned out the sand thoroughly.
I am going to get something to measure the free ammonia with as well and get some prime to just have on hand.
I plan on going out of town and will check the tank next Friday and we will see where I stand. Hopefully I will be ordering fish next weekend. Thanks!

Ya that makes sense then on the ammonia what is you ammonia and nitrite readings?

 

[glb]

Sounds like you're off to a good start. Keep us posted!

 

[Luke Schnabel]

Sounds good so far.

Like other said, the cycle will spike with ammonia, then ammonia will turn into nitrite, and the Nitrite will spike as the ammonia falls. Then Nitrite will turn into NitrAte and the Nitrate will spike as the Nitrite falls.

If your ammonia and Nitrite levels are zero, your good to add a small amount of fish. Just remember that the more fish you add the more ammonia your tank has to process so go slow on adding fish at first. More fish can produce too much ammonia for your tank at first and you'll run into loads of problems.

Also the pH in the tank will eventually mean almost nothing but a window into your alkalinity levels. Once you start having to add Calcium and Alkalinity to your tank (which is a good thing because that means your Corals are growing) your pH will be what it is for your Alkalinity levels you want.

 

[islandguy85]

No corals or any inverts (2 hermit crabs) but I got my first fish yesterday. I had a tank as a kid but was not the primary caretaker and took care of an invert tank in college but this is my first personal go at it. Going to let these guys adjust for a little while and may add a few more.

Can you post video? Hard to get my camera to focus on moving fish on phone