Tank Cycling - Mid-Cycle Reagent Issue?

[WestCoastReefNoob]

Hi everyone, need your guidance on next steps with my tank cycle.

I recently started using the Hanna Nitrite ULR reagent resupply pack I purchased, after running out of the original 10-pack. no issues with the original 10 agents that came with my tester, but since then I have been continuously getting the out of range indication (flashing "200"). I assumed this was normal at first, the value was just too high to read...but it's been the same for nearly 2 weeks (first time cycling a tank). I tried diluting the sample as directed...up to 10x...with the same result. My ammonia is effectively zero for the past 1.5 weeks (within the margin of tester accuracy/error); I decided to test Nitrates yesterday: 44! much higher than I expected.

I've been cycling nearly a month now, using Brightwell's cycling kit with Marco Rock and dry sand as directed. Based on their instructions it should have cycled well before now.

I expect the high Nitrate level means that my tank is now cycled but my concern is I can't verify Nitrites due to the assumed bad reagents. Would it be safe to add inverts and my two Percula clowns (in quarantine), or hold off a bit longer?

I assume one response will be to go buy a different test kit from my LFS but I have trouble discerning certain colors/shades, which is why I use the Hanna.

Any and all help is appreciated, thanks!

 

[Jekyl]

TBH I don't recommend anyone to even purchase a nitrite kit. Once your tank processes the ammonia into nitrate the cycle has been completed.

 

[WestCoastReefNoob]

TBH I don't recommend anyone to even purchase a nitrite kit. Once your tank processes the ammonia into nitrate the cycle has been completed.

Thanks for your help! Good to get that feedback, I won't waste anymore $ on nitrite reagent. Cheers!

 

[Cell]

Nitrite is not harmful to marine animals at the level we experience. Nitrate cannot be accurately measured in the presence of nitrite. Since you already purchased the nitrite reagent, I'd just test once a week or so until nitrite goes down and then you know you can trust your nitrate measurement.

 

[exnisstech]

I'm in the minority but I don't even own a nitrite or ammonia test. I just watch for nitrates and when I start to see them I slowly move forward. Been doing it that way for years since my freshwater days.

 

[WestCoastReefNoob]

Nitrite is not harmful to marine animals at the level we experience. Nitrate cannot be accurately measured in the presence of nitrite. Since you already purchased the nitrite reagent, I'd just test once a week or so until nitrite goes down and then you know you can trust your nitrate measurement.

Great, thank you! I'll continue testing once a week as you suggest, to see what happens. Appreciate your help!

 

[WestCoastReefNoob]

I'm in the minority but I don't even own a nitrite or ammonia test. I just watch for nitrates and when I start to see them I slowly move forward. Been doing it that way for years since my freshwater days.

Thank you! I'll test weekly like @Cell suggested, just to see what happens, and good to know keeping an eye on Nitrates a bit more regularly will be a good indicator of what's happening. Appreciate your help!

 

[Serpentman2024]

Personally, I would consider the tank cycled once Ammonia drops to zero and Nitrates appear. I wouldn't be overly concerned with Nitrite. It sounds like your bacterial colonies are just catching up. I wouldn't go crazy on adding bioload but would say its ok to add a fish or two.

 

[WestCoastReefNoob]

Personally, I would consider the tank cycled once Ammonia drops to zero and Nitrates appear. I wouldn't be overly concerned with Nitrite. It sounds like your bacterial colonies are just catching up. I wouldn't go crazy on adding bioload but would say its ok to add a fish or two.

Thank you for the guidance, much appreciated! I have two small clowns and some inverts in quarantine that I plan to add in the next week or two, will wait another month or so before adding more bioload.