New tank help please

[xbrentx]

I setup a new tank 125G with a 40G SUMP. Used new RO saltwater with new caribsea live sand. Used rock I bought from someone selling their tank, there was a lot of die off and some uncured rock to begin with. The tank has been up and running for almost 4 weeks with lights off. I thought it would cycle since I was using rock that was already in a running tank previously, and I used new live sand.

Ammonia tests show 0
Nitrate also shows 0

I'm guessing it isn't cycling? Anyone have any input?

 

[xbrentx]

I started running the lights over the last few days, I am seeing some color changes on the rock and red hair algea growing.

Is my cycle over or has it not even started?

 

[ReeferBob]

If it has been up that long and your ammonia and nitrites are 0, it is cycled. It is possible that you had enough bacteria to not have a new cycle. You may have had die-off but you also have no other bio-load so it evened out.

 

[Eggs]

If it has been up that long and your ammonia and nitrites are 0, it is cycled. It is possible that you had enough bacteria to not have a new cycle. You may have had die-off but you also have no other bio-load so it evened out.

I would agree. If you used live rock from another system even with some die-off, you probably had a small cycle. I went through the same with my first set-up.

 

[Jlobes]

it is probably cycled. have you been testing for ammonia and nitrates the whole time?? have you seen the typical spikes and recessions?

I guess one way to know for sure is to add an ammonia source, and test. If you added a pure ammonia solution it could be added in measured amounts. the bacteria should be able to convert the ammonia overnight/quickly,

 

[xbrentx]

I was on vacation for 2 weeks and just had someone monitor the tank while I was away, no testing.

Where would I get pure ammonia?

 

[ReeferBob]

I was on vacation for 2 weeks and just had someone monitor the tank while I was away, no testing.

Where would I get pure ammonia?

It is hard to find. Try small hardware stores like true value or M&P shops. HD did not have any pure stuff. but I really don't think you need it. Your tank is cycled. Put some livestock in it (slowly).

 

[byronious]

Quote
"Ammonia tests show 0
Nitrate also shows 0

I'm guessing it isn't cycling? Anyone have any input?" End quote


Yes I have some input. I had this same worry with my tank. Mix of dry & live rock, live & dead sand. I never was able to read any Ammonia,Nitrite or nitrate. I tested everyday! I even put some raw shrimp in my sump where it could get lots of water flow. All 0's. After 4 weeks, I put in a few less expensive fish, etc.

Been several months now. Tank is doing great all zeros across the board. My guess is you are lucky too.

Sent from my Xoom

 

[marvelousone]

Put a hardy fish in there and test the water and watch it. I did not add anything else until the diatom bloom was over. Then start add other fish or corals.

 

[mike007]

Sounds like you are on the right path. I agree start with less expensive fish and slowly add livestock and keep testing and see how things go . Fish and corals will tell you how tank is doing. Take it easy on the feeding untill tank acclimates completly.