Cycling

I started a 29 galon nano cube about over a month ago. I put about 10 pounds of live rock in just to start the tank off and added a clownfish, a yellow tail damsel, and astrea snail and four hermit crabs. The damsel and the hermit crab both died 3-4 weeks ago and other than that, there have been no other deaths. I have been testing regularly for nitrates and phosphates with elos test kits and every time I test I get anywahere from .1to .2 ppm. What I am wondering is how I will know when the tank will be safe for less hardy fish, invertabrates and corals. Any input is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

test test test. ann cycle is a constant, just more with a new tank. all parts break down into the other. when your ammonia is gone the nitrite is high then your nitrate. nitrite and ammonia is worse than nitrate.

 

Thanks I will continue to test, how many days of unchanging ammonia and nitrate
(all 0) will ensure a fully cycled tank?

 

You need to be testing for ammonia, ph, sg, and nitrite as well. And if you want corals, you need to add in ca, mg, and dkh tests. You'll also need more rock. Aim for 1 1/2 pounds to 2 pounds per gallon for a reef. Get all that situated first.

 

every tank has its own heart beat, patience. good things in this hobby dont happen fast.

 

Your tank hadn't successfully cycled properly and all the way!
All tanks are different in terms of cycling time, but a rough estimate would be a month!
Just because a tank has successfully cycled doesn't ensure that moderate to difficult inverts and corals can be introduced!
A mature tank, knowledge and experience are also part of the equasion in creating and maintaining a successful and beautiful aquarium!

 

I wouldn't put any fish in mid cycle. If they are there when you start they have a chance to adjust. As others said above during cycle your main concern is Ammonia and nitrite. They are poisonous to fish in any amount. I'm surprised the damsel died they're very hardy.
Probably not much need to test for phosphates at this point.. unless you're having some sort of algae problem. Phosphates will not harm fish or corals.

 

Nitrite needs to be 0, and you can't just add a bunch of fish once the tank has fully cycled. add very slowly to allow your tank to adjust to the increased bio-load. and you should be testing for all the basics (nitrate, nitrite, alkalinity, phosphate, salinity and pH).

 

Thanks for all of the input guys. I will get all of those test kits and begin testing for those too.

 

Just a warning about phosphates.....fish can tolerate PO4, but corals cannot very well. PO4 in a very low amount will have a very minimal effect on corals. A little higher, they will impede their reproductive processes. Higher still, PO4 can be damaging. Before you start getting corals (which is aways away for ya at this point), you will want to get it under control with the help of a fuge or a phosphate reactor.