cycle complete?

I started a 5 gallon nano tank about 7 days ago. It has live rock from my lfs, live sand and I am using nitromax everyday.

I tbought some testing strips today and the results came out
ammonia: 0
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: 5-10
ph: 8

Has the cycle not started yet or is it about done? There is a small amount of algae bulding up but not a lot. or maybe I need to test it again?

 

The cycling period can last up to 12 weeks, it WILL NOT happen over night nor will it be finished in days. Those test stripes are garbage. Please read through this web site before you do anything else. Its a big help. www.saltwater101.com Luna

 

I am willing to bet that your tank has not cycled yet! The detectable nitrates are probably from your water. Did you use regular tap water?
As luna stated, a tank will normally take around a month or so to cycle.
While your tank is cycling, I would take this valuable time to read and research as much as you can about this wonderful and rewarding hobby. Of course, this will not happen in a few days but will be ongoing!
Good luck!

 

Invest in some good test kits as Luna has suggested. API is a good starting point, but I prefer Salifert and Elos. They are a little pricey, but more accurate IMO. You will want NH4, NO2, NO3 and pH for a fish only tank. If you get into corals, you will want to add PO4, dKh (ALK), Ca and Mg. If you want to delve into the SPS corals, you will want to add K and Sr in addition to the last four.

And your tank isn't even close to cycled. It will be awhile. The NH4 will increase then decrease, then the Nitrite will increase and decrease (there will be some overlap). Then the Nitrate will increase, then decrease a bit, then increase again. That second increase is when it is technically cycled. Every tank being different, this is of course just an approximation. You will get a good idea when things are ready.