Water Parameters Seem Frozen...

[Hayden2019]

Hi everyone!
I have undertaken the project of moving from my nano 12 gal reef to setting up a 90 gallon tank.
I have had my new 90 gal cycling for a month and a half. I seeded the tank with multiple pieces of live rock (to accompany my dry rock) from my other tank, live sand, and concentrated bacteria. I've had one slight diatom bloom, but nothing too crazy. I've kept the lights and refugium lights on this entire time to try to exhaust silicates. After a month and a half, my water parameters are still at .25 ppm ammonia, 1.0ppm nitrite, and 20 ppm nitrate.

I've used only RODI water to fill the tank and did one 25% water change. I have been doing a fishless cycle. The guy at my LFS tells me that everything should have decreased by now, but gave me no other information. After almost 2 full months now of waiting with an empty tank the parameters have not changed. Frankly, I'm just discouraged and at a loss.

Does anyone have any suggestions of what I can do to get my water to where it needs to be? I thought of doing a large water change but I'm worried I'll stall the cycle.

 

[ScottR]

Hi everyone!
I have undertaken the project of moving from my nano 12 gal reef to setting up a 90 gallon tank.
I have had my new 90 gal cycling for a month and a half. I seeded the tank with multiple pieces of live rock (to accompany my dry rock) from my other tank, live sand, and concentrated bacteria. I've had one slight diatom bloom, but nothing too crazy. I've kept the lights and refugium lights on this entire time to try to exhaust silicates. After a month and a half, my water parameters are still at .25 ppm ammonia, 1.0ppm nitrite, and 20 ppm nitrate.

I've used only RODI water to fill the tank and did one 25% water change. I have been doing a fishless cycle. The guy at my LFS tells me that everything should have decreased by now, but gave me no other information. After almost 2 full months now of waiting with an empty tank the parameters have not changed. Frankly, I'm just discouraged and at a loss.

Does anyone have any suggestions of what I can do to get my water to where it needs to be? I thought of doing a large water change but I'm worried I'll stall the cycle.

It could be something in you LR leeching into the water. I’d just give it time. OR you could trying adding some extra bacteria to help speed up the cycle.

How did you get ammonia in there? Added yourself? Also, which test kit are you using?

Welcome to R2R!

 

[Jekyl]

It could be something in you LR leeching into the water. I’d just give it time. OR you could trying adding some extra bacteria to help speed up the cycle.

How did you get ammonia in there? Added yourself? Also, which test kit are you using?

Welcome to R2R!

+1

 

[Hayden2019]

Thanks! I added the ammonia myself, it was Dr. Tim's. I think it may be something in the live rock. I put a piece of squid in the tank tonight to see if constant leeching of ammonia will help establish bacteria. Keeping my fingers crossed!

 

[ScottR]

Thanks! I added the ammonia myself, it was Dr. Tim's. I think it may be something in the live rock. I put a piece of squid in the tank tonight to see if constant leeching of ammonia will help establish bacteria. Keeping my fingers crossed!

That’s not a bad idea. Check for spikes. Also, use a trusted test kit i.e. salifert.