Started cycling on January 29 and my parameter numbers are confusing me

jkim047 · Jan 31, 2022

Here's some relevant information:

Tank - IM 20g Peninsula
Sand - CaribSea Arag-Alive Special Grade Reef Sand (~15 lbs)
Rock - CaribSea Life Rock (~20 lbs)

Below are my cycle numbers since Saturday. I tested with a non-expired Red Sea Marine Care Test Kit. No bacteria additives, just water, rock and salt. I'm confused because I thought ammonia levels would be high only 3 days in and nitrite should rise as ammonia decreases. Granted, the numbers could be slightly off because Red Sea tests are Colorimetric. Would appreciate your thoughts.

Date	Temp	Salinity	Ph	Ammonia	Nitrite	Nitrate

1/29/2022	78.0°	34	8.1	0.30	Didn't test	Didn't test
1/30/2022	77.8°	33	8.2	0.20	0.00	Didn't test
1/31/2022	77.7°	35	8.2	0.10	0.00	0.00

Jekyl · Jan 31, 2022

Did you add any type of ammonia source at least?

Bribo12 · Jan 31, 2022

Jekyl said:
Did you add any type of ammonia source at least?

+1
Usually it takes a week or so of high ammonia levels (2+) to start seeing it converted to nitrite. The nitrite phase is usually the longest phase. You’ll definitely want to add an ammonia source if you haven’t yet.

jkim047 · Jan 31, 2022

Bribo12 said:
+1
Usually it takes a week or so of high ammonia levels (2+) to start seeing it converted to nitrite. The nitrite phase is usually the longest phase. You’ll definitely want to add an ammonia source if you haven’t yet.

I guess that would explain it. I thought any decaying organics from the live sand would be sufficient.