Is my cycle over?

Discussion in 'New To The Hobby' started by jsouliya, Jun 24, 2010.

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  1. jsouliya

    jsouliya Plankton

    Joined:
    Jun 3, 2010
    Messages:
    10
    Hey guys. My tanks been up for about a month now. I have a 90g tank with about 70lbs of live rock. I've been testing my water parameters every few days and I keep getting the same numbers, no ammonia or nitrite spike, only dkh and calcium is slowly going down. Here's where its at right now.

    ammonia=0
    nitrite=0
    nitrate=5ppm
    ph=8.2
    sg=1.021
    calcium=320
    dkh=8

    I had a brown algae/diatom bloom that lasted about 2 weeks and now it's starting to turn into a green algae. There's also some purple algae growing on some of the rocks. Does this mean the tank is cycled? Just wanted to make sure so that I can start adding more livestock.
     
    jsouliya, Jun 24, 2010
    jsouliya, Jun 24, 2010
    #1

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  2. sostoudt

    sostoudt Giant Squid

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    yes .
     
    sostoudt, Jun 24, 2010
    sostoudt, Jun 24, 2010
    #2
  3. reefboyr34

    reefboyr34 Plankton

    Joined:
    Apr 13, 2010
    Messages:
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    Yes, your cycle is done. I would watch the Nitrate and dkh, though. If you need anything, let me know. I have a bunch of stuff lying around.
     
    reefboyr34, Jul 2, 2010
    reefboyr34, Jul 2, 2010
    #3
  4. divott

    divott Giant Squid

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    sounds like youre on your way. IMO , your first adds will be your CUC. can start slow , add 20 odd snails to make sure all is good. you will need quite a few more down the road. roughly a week or so after your CUC is in, you can add your 1st fush .preferably of the hardy variety. e.g clowns. good luck,
     
    divott, Jul 2, 2010
    divott, Jul 2, 2010
    #4
  5. Mkizla

    Mkizla Eyelash Blennie

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    might want to get your calcium up a bit for corals though.
     
    Mkizla, Jul 3, 2010
    Mkizla, Jul 3, 2010
    #5
  6. Mozis

    Mozis Astrea Snail

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    Jul 1, 2010
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    Location:
    Anchorage Alaska
    What do you test your water with? I'm in the very starting stages of a Salt Water tank. Adding rock today.
     
    Mozis, Jul 5, 2010
    Mozis, Jul 5, 2010
    #6

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  7. jsouliya

    jsouliya Plankton

    Joined:
    Jun 3, 2010
    Messages:
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    I'm using the API reef master kit and also got it tested at my LFS a few times to double check the results. Not sure what test kit they were using, but the results were pretty much the same as mine.

    Yep, a lot of people have been telling me that my calcium needs to be 400-500, so I'm trying the Kent Marine tech CB 2 part dosing for calcium and alkalinity. I dosed it a few days ago and re-tested for calcium and it did go up to 340. I'll probably dose it again today.

    I also picked up a half dozen turbo snails to try and get the algae in check, and I have to say they are doing an awesome job. They've been in there for a couple days and have eaten almost half of the algae that was on the back glass.

    I've been researching good beginner soft corals and my LFS has some zoa and GSP frags for pretty cheap. I think I will pick those up next.
     
    jsouliya, Jul 7, 2010
    jsouliya, Jul 7, 2010
    #7
  8. M-Ocean Man

    M-Ocean Man Flame Angel

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    Excellent first choices!!! Most leathers are also hardy/good beginner corals that are relatively cheap and available at most LFS.

    Good luck!!!
    ;D
     
    M-Ocean Man, Jul 7, 2010
    M-Ocean Man, Jul 7, 2010
    #8