Tank Cycle Help

[dawi03]

So my cycles moving now

Ammonia: .8
Nitrite:0
Nitrate:50

is it just a waiting game until nitrates drop down to 0 now?

thanks all!

move restarted my tank cycle so many times but I’m sticking to it now

 

[ariellemermaid]

So my cycles moving now

Ammonia: .8
Nitrite:0
Nitrate:50

is it just a waiting game until nitrates drop down to 0 now?

thanks all!

move restarted my tank cycle so many times but I’m sticking to it now

I assume you mean ammonia? Yes. Ammonia should drop to zero when cycled. Nitrates will be removed with water changes.

 

[dawi03]

I assume you mean ammonia? Yes. Ammonia should drop to zero when cycled. Nitrates will be removed with water changes.

Ah ok I thought you had to wait for nitrates to get to 0 too. All good! Hopefully not too much longer

 

[ariellemermaid]

Ah ok I thought you had to wait for nitrates to get to 0 too. All good! Hopefully not too much longer

Nitrates are the end product, and after the cycle, will be the thing you battle to keep low with water changes. Some folks commonly recommend re-dosing ammonia (if that’s the way you’re doing it) to 2ppm and once the tank can process this new ammonia within 24 hours then the cycle is officially “complete.” So it’s not just about all the ammonia being removed but rather how quickly that indicates your level of bacterial activity. However I’d say if all the ammonia is gone and you’re starting with a hearty fish like a clown, that should be just fine.

 

[dawi03]

Nitrates are the end product, and after the cycle, will be the thing you battle to keep low with water changes. Some folks commonly recommend re-dosing ammonia (if that’s the way you’re doing it) to 2ppm and once the tank can process this new ammonia within 24 hours then the cycle is officially “complete.” So it’s not just about all the ammonia being removed but rather how quickly that indicates your level of bacterial activity. However I’d say if all the ammonia is gone and you’re starting with a hearty fish like a clown, that should be just fine.

Thanks mate. Yes the idea is to start with a clown. Would you recommend buying two juvi clowns that get along at the start or is this not needed and can always add one a month later?

 

[Freenow54]

Above is perfect to me. The method I used said to put in a full dose of Ammonia, and if it is zero in 24 hours you are done. Nitrates are your problem lol. However many have said you need a level of that for it represents excess nutrients that coral need. As to the clowns its your call. They are a good choice as they are super hardy. But very aggressive. Get ready to have the female to attack you. Personally I would put in all the clowns that you are planning on together. I would stick with just a pair myself due to aggression and very territorial. Also unless it is a coincidence I put in a pair and one is a female one a male. According to lore they will change sex. The female becomes very bossy and aggressive to the male mmmm.

 

[ariellemermaid]

Thanks mate. Yes the idea is to start with a clown. Would you recommend buying two juvi clowns that get along at the start or is this not needed and can always add one a month later?

I would consider either two juvenile clowns or just paying a little extra and getting a matched pair from a place like live aquaria divers den. Clownfish pairing can be tricky and hit or miss. We went the already paired route and haven’t regretted it for a second. Definitely consider ocellaris; don’t go for something even more aggressive like maroon’s. I’m convinced our ocellaris x percula clowns are responsible for a firefish and royal gramma death (added later) in a 40g even though I can’t prove it.