New Tank Cycling question

[Justjoe]

I set up my brand new salt tank about 4 weeks ago. I added in a starter bacteria bottle the first day. Then added a snowflake about a week later. So it’s been about three weeks since the fish as been added and my levels in the tank are not going down. Not sure what I am doing wrong? Or if the cycle is just taking longer. I have live sand but dry rock. My current readings are PH - 8.0-8.1. Ammonia .50 ppm. Nitrite 1.0ppm. Nitrate is about 30ppm. Any advice would be appreciated!!

 

[Spare time]

I have a feeling the bacteria died since you need to put it in with an ammonia source (ex fish food). I would go ahead and buy another bottle of bacteria (just dump it all in)

 

[IslandLifeReef]

If you have nitrite, you will get a false nitrate reading on most available test kits. Your nitrate is probably fine. Your bacteria didn’t die. It just takes time for the tank to cycle. Be patient and keep watching that fish to make sure it isn’t stressed.

Adding Fritz 900 wouldn’t hurt. It seems to be the best bacteria available.

Also, welcome to R2R!

 

[Spare time]

If you have nitrite, you will get a false nitrate reading on most available test kits. Your nitrate is probably fine. Your bacteria didn’t die. It just takes time for the tank to cycle. Be patient and keep watching that fish to make sure it isn’t stressed.

Adding Fritz 900 wouldn’t hurt. It seems to be the best bacteria available.

Also, welcome to R2R!

The reason I suggested some of the bacteria could have died was that usually these products work within a week or so but tis just a guess

 

[glb]

You might want to add some Prime to neutralize any ammonia and protect your fish. It won't interrupt the cycle but will convert the ammonia to a nontoxic form. I agree that you should throw in another bottle of bacteria. Good Luck!