Tank Cycle Numbers?

[tescalante]

This is my first time cycling a tank (Nuvo 14) I've been following Dr. Tim directions, and using Salifert test kits.
If I'm following the directions I should be adding a fish. From looking at my numbers it doesn't look like my tank has cycled?
I also use dry rock and live sand in my tanks FYI. (attached image for numbers)

1. Should I continue to be patient and test everyday and see if my numbers change?
2. Add a fish and continue to test?
3. Do a water change and continue testing daily?

Thanks
Tony

 

[glb]

As long as you have ammonia in the tank, it’s not done cycling. What is your ammonia source? Your nitrates are pretty high, so you’ll need to do a big water change before adding fish. Since you’re starting with dry rock/sand, the tank will take longer to cycle. I started the same way, with Dr. Tim’s, and dry rock/sand. My cycle took 3 weeks. You could always dose additional bacteria to help eliminate the ammonia. I actually used Biospira for the second dose of bacteria, and the tank finished cycling a day or two after that. Be patient, doing the cycle right will save you a lot of hassle down the road. Good luck!

 

[tescalante]

I used Dr. Tims Ammonia and followed the directions on their site for the cycle. So the suggestion would be to try Biospira and continue to test. Would you test everyday or every couple days? Once my ammonia is gone, do a water change then add my first fish. Remember to be patient.

Thanks
Tony

 

[ReefStable Verified Sponsor]

Be patient. Do not add fish, the ammonia can kill them. This looks like you're on about two weeks. Cycling a tank can take months...

Here is an article on cycling a new tank: https://reefstable.com/guides/how-to-cycle-a-fish-tank

 

[glb]

I used Dr. Tims Ammonia and followed the directions on their site for the cycle. So the suggestion would be to try Biospira and continue to test. Would you test everyday or every couple days? Once my ammonia is gone, do a water change then add my first fish. Remember to be patient.

Thanks
Tony

Yes that should work. I would still test daily. If a day after you’ve added ammonia, your ammonia reading is zero, your tank is cycled!

 

[tescalante]

Should I be running any filtration at this time, media basket or protein skimmer? I’m currently just running my return pump and powerhead. When would be the best time to start?

 

[canadianeh]

Check out my build HERE. I recorded my daily test on the first post and it took 30 days to cycle. I also used Dr Tims product btw.

 

[glb]

Should I be running any filtration at this time, media basket or protein skimmer? I’m currently just running my return pump and powerhead. When would be the best time to start?

I would leave the skimmer off for now. You can turn it on after you start adding things.

 

[tescalante]

Well being patient was a good call, tested again today and had a drop in my Ammonia. If I can maintain zero or less than 0.15 over the next few days I should be fine to add my first fish. I have not added any additional ammonia since 5/31, it was added 3 times previous. (see results)

Thanks
Tony