My Seeded Tank

So I've have my tank set up with 35lbs of dry rock and a couple of pounds of live rock. My nitrites are at 0, my nitrates are at a comfortable level, but there is still a tiny trace (under .25ppm) of ammonia. Once my ammonia levels are 0, should I wait until all my dry rock becomes live or just until my tests come back clean to stock my tank? No coral if you're wondering.

 

Hi Jeff01

your Nitrites may be at 0 simply because your still in stage 1 of the cycle, in which bacteria is developing to utilize the ammonia
as you still have ammonia level, then this 1st stage is not yet completed, so you may well test positive for Nitrites in a short while

how long has the tank been set up?

Steve

 

I actually tested my water last night and had a spike of nitrites, but still >.25 ppm for my ammonia. My tank has been set up for about 4 weeks.

 

sounds like its developing as it should do then Jeff01
It may be another week or 2 and then its time for 1st water change
and after that 1st introduction
CUC - snails, hermits etc would be good 1st additions as they will help increase the number of beneficial bacteria, and at same time help clean the tank for you

give them a week or 2 and then you should be ready for 1st fish

Steve

 

Awesome. Thanks a lot!