How do I know when I'm through cycling?

My tank is only 3 weeks old and I'm trying to be patient. I've only added 2 clowns. My LFS told me I could go ahead and start adding corals since all my parameters are good, but I wasn't sure I agreed with that. I want to add shrimp and an angel and goby at some points, along with soft corals and anemones (if I can), but I can wait. I just want it to be the right time. I'm starting to get what I think is green hair algea which I clean off the glass, but now I see it starting on my rocks. I have cut back on my lights. I'm wondering if adding any certain fish or CUC would help. Please help.

 

You shouldnt have your lights on while going through the cycle period. Your cycle period is "over" after you see your No2, No3 and NH3 levels go up and then finally supsiding to zero readings. You need to test your water.

Luna

 

While you're cycling you shouldn't have the lights on at all. There's no need for it.
What exactly are your params? You want Ammonia, nitrites and nitrates to all be 0.
They will Spike first and then When they are 0 you can start (SLOWLY) adding a clean up crew.
Then (SLOWLY) go from there.

 

Basically agree with the above.

You need to test the water yourself. Do not use test strips - use liquid tests.


When your ammonia and nitrites hit 0 (and STAY at zero for a week or two) and your nitrates lower to around 20 you can add the CuC. IMO, waiting for nitrates to 0 before adding the CuC is overkill - snails and crabs can handle nitrates quite easily and they do not add any thing meaningful to the bio load.


After that - I would continue testing. Once the nitrates do hit 0, that is when I would start adding corals. But this assumes you have lights that are good for coral (what do you have). But like said above, no need to run lights right now.

 

Hi twobjust me

when the bike has come to a standstill, you have dismounted , are removing the bicycle clips and securing the lock

thats when the cycling is over IMHO

Steve

 

Yes, Nitrates may never come down for some people. I didn't get NO3 showing up for 6-8 months.
A "break in cycle" is when the Ammonia and Nitrite rise then fall to 0.
A Typical Break-In Cycle

 

also as far as the anemone goes people suggest you wait a 6 months to a year after cycling to be able to have one. And what lights do you have

 

This is the light I have -
36" Nova Extreme Pro 6x39watt T5 HO 3-10k/3-460nm actinics 234 watts total

I love it, but since I added my CPR skimmer, it no longer fits on the top, so I think I'll just hang it.

 

Bahahaha Steeeveeee you're a comical genius!!

 

keep being patient itll be over before you know it. you are cycled when your ammonia and nitrite rise....then fall to zero.