Reef Build 2013
- Thread starter Rhino
- Start date
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OP
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Rhino
Well-Known Member
bknapp
Has been left unattended
Lights during the cycle aren't needed, I turned mine on for a few hours so I could look at the tank. But depending on lighting used you may want to run a few full light cycles to take note of temperature fluctuations throughout the day but leaving the light off will also keep algae growth to a minimum.
I use LEDs..... In my sump.
I use LEDs..... In my sump.
schooleyosis
2500 Club Member
I'd say leave the lights off during the cycle. I ran mine on the full lighting cycle and I think it prolonged the cycle.
OP
OP
Rhino
Well-Known Member
I know man. Fireman23 gave me a nice chunk of live rock my first week into the cycle. Not sure why it is taking so long.
Ryan
bknapp
Has been left unattended
Have you done anything to add ammonia to the tank? Have you ever saw ammonia on a test? With mostly dry rock you won't see the normal die off from the live rock people normally use to cycle the tank. I used mostly dry rock when I set up my tank so I used Dr. Tim's ammonia to up the ammonia, a lot of people also use a dead shrimp to add the ammonia. Using the ammonia my cycle took about five weeks.
I use LEDs..... In my sump.
I use LEDs..... In my sump.
OP
OP
Rhino
Well-Known Member
OP
OP
Rhino
Well-Known Member
No problem looking for all the help I can get. I usually dose every two to three days. It's usually back down to 0 within that time.
Ryan
OP
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Rhino
Well-Known Member
bknapp
Has been left unattended
Here is a link explaining the nitrogen cycle, it will explain it much better than I can:
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2011/4/chemistry
Here it is in a nutshell:
Ammonia-->NitrItes-->Nitrates
Once you reach the peak of your nitrites (which are still harmful) they turn into nitrates (which are safe) your bacteria is alive and working. After your highest point of nitrites you wait for them to turn into nitrates and do a large water change to get your nitrates down and your cycle has been completed. I think you've been extending your cycle. Start watching your nitrites and once they convert into nitrates do a large water change then add a fish.
I use LEDs..... In my sump.
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2011/4/chemistry
Here it is in a nutshell:
Ammonia-->NitrItes-->Nitrates
Once you reach the peak of your nitrites (which are still harmful) they turn into nitrates (which are safe) your bacteria is alive and working. After your highest point of nitrites you wait for them to turn into nitrates and do a large water change to get your nitrates down and your cycle has been completed. I think you've been extending your cycle. Start watching your nitrites and once they convert into nitrates do a large water change then add a fish.
I use LEDs..... In my sump.
gmoney243
2500 Club Member
I always cycle with fish as long as you just add one small fish and barely feed will be no harm. If a big tank u could add a few small fish. Mollys are actually one of my favorite to cycle with since they cost like $1.50 and are super hardy and all you will find are tank bred they eat algae especially diatoms are stupid and easy to catch to remove later lol
Dowtish
5000 Club Member
Your nitrites and nitrates are off the chart because you continue to dose ammonia. They are constantly trying to convert it/break it down. I would not dose anymore ammonia. I would get some bacteria in a bottle. either microbacter or microbe lift special blend dose that for 2-3 days and add some fish. And then just be ready to do a water change if somehow you get an ammonia spike once you add the fish. There is no way your tank has been up this long and it's not ready.
