Cycle Help?

Discussion in 'General Reef Topics' started by Astrick117, Dec 6, 2011.

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  1. Astrick117

    Astrick117 Stylophora

    Joined:
    Aug 18, 2011
    Messages:
    973
    Location:
    Clifton, NJ
    So, to make a long story short, I have been keeping reef tanks for about 6 months now, but when I got into the hobby, I purchased everything I needed off of Craigslist and it was pre-established.

    I am now setting up a 46 gallon bow front using dry rock as the base and crushed coral as substrate. I took a piece of the live rock from one of my other tanks, added 3 table shrimp and have been cycling for about 3 weeks now.

    In addition, I purchased some Biozyme and added it based on their reco for a new tank- one 1/4 teaspoon per day for 7 days.

    I have been testing for ammonia and nitrites as often as possible (difficult because I had to travel intermittently for work) and noticed an ammonia spike pretty quickly. I monitored it, but did not see a nitrite spike over the past few days.

    I just tested it again tonight and my ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates are all reading zero, but I am worried that I might not be fully cycled. Does anyone have any experience with using biozyme and or dry rock to cycle? If so, do you think it is safe for me to start adding inhabitants slowly?

    As I mentioned I never went through the cycle phase and now I'm kicking myself :stupid:

    Thanks
     
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  3. Coastie Reefer

    Coastie Reefer Millepora

    Joined:
    May 9, 2011
    Messages:
    926
    Location:
    NE Louisiana
    I have no experience with that product, but I have used some of Dr. Tim's cycle products. I cycled a 10g using dry rock, new sand, and Dr. Tim's in 11 days. I tested everyday and documented it in an excel spreadsheet. So I know it can be done. I did still however wait till about day 21 to add anything. If I were you I would continue to test for another week and if it's still 0,0,0 I would add one fish. I wouldn't add anything else for at least another 2 more weeks.