Help Confirm cycle is Complete

I started my tank on 2-10-11. The tank consists of the following
50lbs +/- LR
65LBS Aragonite Sand
RODI water

Deli Shrimp was added 2-14-11 (removed about 7 days later)

2-18-11
Ammonia 1.0
Nitrites 0.0
Nitrate 15
PH 8.0
SG 1.021
Temp 79

2-25-11
Ammonia .5
Nitrites 1.0
Nitrates 30
PH 8.0
SG 1.023
Temp 79

3-4-11
Ammonia .5
Nitrites 0.0
Nitrates 10
PH 8.2
SG 1.022
Temp 79

Todays Readings (I have a hard time with the colors so correct me if i am wrong)
Ammonia 0.0
Nitrites 0.0
Nitrates between 0-5
PH 8.1
SG 1.023
Temp 79

 

Those tests seem to confirm the tank has stablized. A "complete" cycle will take up to 6-8 months total.

 

I agree with what he is saying here however, your tank is cycled. Depending on who you talk to it can take years to fully cycle a tank. The first "Major" cycle is over. Proceed with caution and add cheap easy to keep things at first. Keep an eye on your readings. Do NOT go crazy and buy everything you can get your hands on. You will overload your system. Buy one or two fish at a time and let them adapt for a while before you add more. Just my 2 cents.

 

The test kit results look good to me dustin0479

but as stated above
worst thing you could do now, would be to rush the stocking

CUC would be my next introduction if it where my tank
a few snails and hermits will contribute to the housekeeping and also help to further mature your tank

if all seems well after a couple of weeks with some CUC in
then

1 fish or 2 fish if you want clowns or other species best introduced in 2s to prevent fighting that may occur if adding subsequent one later

Steve

 

Would you buy a full CUC or just a couple until the bio load grows?

 

I started with half a dozen snails and 3 hermits in my 5ft set up
just to make sure everything was as it should be, and then once satisfied
purchased more a couple of weeks later

Steve

 

Great thanks.

Any suggestions on snails?

 

small ones are better IMO
they have a greater power to weight ratio and dont fall over as often as larger ones
if they do fall over, smaller ones due to less weight, find it easier to right themselves

Astra snails are what I went for A Tecta I think they are
these are great on both rockwork and glass

but check out reefcleaners, look at product pages, fora few ideas on what species are best for what areas of tank cleaning

Steve

 

Thanks steve