Did my tank cycle?

I just started my cycle last week (sat).I am not going to rush this. I am going to let it sit another 2-3 weeks just to make sure.

However,

I noticed that my tank was full of litl ebaby shrimp this morning (no, not brine shrimp) and I also noticed that a bristle worm started to come out when I turned off my lighting.

Do these additions mean my tank has cycled. I wouldn't think it would cycle this quickly.

I did start with live sand and live rock and have been adding some bacteria growth stuff from the LFS so I guess its possible.

I am going to let it sit another 2-3 weeks anyways, I was just curious as to if my tank could have possibly cycled already?

 

No, not by any means. What are your ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels?

Just my 2 cents, waiting 2-3 more weeks would give what, a 3-4 week cycle? IMHO, that IS rushing things. Count on having the tank go twice that long.

 

It would mean a month cycle.

And I wouldn't add anything more then a cheap start up fish to the tank (damsel). I wouldn't be adding coral or anything until I know my water is perfect. My LFS said it would be safe to slowly add to the tank after about a months time.

Ammonia levels are almost nonexistent and nitrate and nitrite levels are in the safe region for the most part.

Do you thinkt he shrimp and worm will end up dying off as my tank continues to cycle?

 

A week is too soon. What you use to start out the cycle? Poor damsel You can also buy a piece of fresh shrimp from the market toss it in to kick start the cycle.

 

Ammonia needs to be at 0. Also, the only safe level of nitrites are 0.

 

From what my LFS said, a month would be more then enough time to introduce a fish (damsel).

I used live sand, live rock and some sort of bacteria aditive called stability I believe. I put a few snails into the tank (by recommendation of the LFS) and then put some brine shrimp in the tank to start the cycle.

It's obviously started to a degree as the nitrate and nitrite levels have changed a little bit as well as growth of numerous organisms in my tank within the last day. This is why I asked if it cycled.....I have just begun seeing these organisms ths morning for the first time.

I have never seen the ammonia levels increase, maybe they have and I didn't notice it?

 

I am just going by the nitrate and nitrate scale ont he test kit....they have a safe range and a non safe range.

 

Sounds like your LFS wants you to rush Stability Bacteria is probably why your getting those results on your parameters, that just helps speed up the cycle IMO would have been better to let it do it naturally. Its also too soon for snails, need to add them at the end of the cycle. 0 ammonia, 0 Nitrate

 

The snails seem to be holding thier own for now. Hopefully they remain healthy.

 

Your LFS is in it for the cash and wants you to get spending money with them as soon as possible. The people here at 3reef are in it for your best interests. Listen to 3reef, not your LFS.

You need to just toss a raw shrimp into your tank and walk away. Leave it sit for 6 weeks. Also, don't start with a damsel. You will regret it down the road. Those things get mean and will attack any new fish you try to add. The exception is a green chromis damsel. But those are schooling fish and it would be too much to try to add a school of them at the end of your cycle.