Parameters

kbsharp · Mar 25, 2020

Hey Guys!!

Busy cycling 1 and half weeks Nitrates went up now 0.

Can you tell me if I'm correct here:

PH : 8.0
Ammonia: 0.25 - 0 (not sure)
Nitrite : 0
Nitrate : 0

Let me know thanks!!

Reefnman2 · Mar 25, 2020

With my eyes that looks correct!

JoshO · Mar 25, 2020

Looks like you're reading it correct. Couple of questions:
-what have you got in the tank i.e. live rock, sand filter media?
-what was the cycle started using, ammonia chloride, fish food, shrimp etc?
-did you use any bottled bacteria?

kbsharp · Mar 25, 2020

JoshO said:
Looks like you're reading it correct. Couple of questions:
-what have you got in the tank i.e. live rock, sand filter media?
-what was the cycle started using, ammonia chloride, fish food, shrimp etc?
-did you use any bottled bacteria?

I have Carribsea Life rock, Carribsea Live sand and Fritz Turbo Start.

-Ammonia

I know it takes longer for Nitrates but its the only reading i never get

Retro Reefer · Mar 25, 2020

Im guessing ammonia is about .10 everything else looks correct.

kbsharp · Mar 25, 2020

Retro Reefer said:
Im guessing ammonia is about .10 everything else looks correct.

Hmm i was thinking that too as its like between the 2

JoshO · Mar 25, 2020

The Fritz turbo start is supposedly super fast in helping to cycle an aquarium so you could be looking good! I'd dose ammonia again personally to double check, I'm about to do my 2nd dose on my new set up to confirm a completed cycle!

kbsharp · Mar 25, 2020

JoshO said:
The Fritz turbo start is supposedly super fast in helping to cycle an aquarium so you could be looking good! I'd dose ammonia again personally to double check, I'm about to do my 2nd dose on my new set up to confirm a completed cycle!

Yea it's seem to be pretty good, i mean either all this stuff worked too well or idk lol ill still wait a month then add some CUC

Waters · Mar 25, 2020

With the API test kits, ammonia always looks like it is above 0. Best bet is to test fresh saltwater next to your tank water and compare the two. To me it looks like 0 ammonia and 0 nitrites. Also remember, the live rock you used is supposed to be painted with a bacterial that activates once it hits water.......I used the same rock. Not sure how well it works though lol.

JoshO · Mar 25, 2020

kbsharp said:
Yea it's seem to be pretty good, i mean either all this stuff worked too well or idk lol ill still wait a month then add some CUC

The idea behind these bottles bacterias is that you don't have to wait a month

With regards to CUC, do you already have fish in the set up?

kbsharp · Mar 25, 2020

Have a fi

JoshO said:
The idea behind these bottles bacterias is that you don't have to wait a month
With regards to CUC, do you already have fish in the set up?

I have a fish in quarantine ready to add, maybe i add that then wait a month for CUC

kbsharp · Mar 25, 2020

Waters said:
With the API test kits, ammonia always looks like it is above 0. Best bet is to test fresh saltwater next to your tank water and compare the two. To me it looks like 0 ammonia and 0 nitrites. Also remember, the live rock you used is supposed to be painted with a bacterial that activates once it hits water.......I used the same rock. Not sure how well it works though lol.

I have heard the ammonia of API is a bit dodgy yes

Ruben's Reef · Mar 25, 2020

That's the reason I always recommend a Seachem Ammonia Alert while cycling. It help me to not start testing everyday. You can see the change of the ammonia level right away.

JoshO · Mar 25, 2020

spyder813 said:
That's the reason I always recommend a Seachem Ammonia Alert while cycling. It help me to not start testing everyday. You can see the change of the ammonia level right away.

I think testing fairly regularly should still be done even with a badge, I've had a few that literally never changed colour even with ammonia spikes