Nitrite levels

I just started a 40gal reef about a week ago. I have about 40 lbs of rock in it right now, along with a couple of power heads, but no skimmer yet. pH, ALK, phosphates and nitrates are fine (both at or near 0), but my nitrites are sitting at .2 ppm. I would like to get a couple of damselfish in there soon in order to speed up the cycle, will my nitrites become a problem for them? Would a skimmer help lower nitrites?

 

Don't think so. With cycling your gonna have varying levels.... Remember, let nature take its course...

 

Look you can't speed up bacteria the nitrites you are seeing have just been converted to nitrites from ammonia by the bacteria and they will have to convert the nitrites into nitrates in their time .. But I'd just put a single ,Just one yellow tailed blue damsel fish Just 1 not two.. The fish will keep the bio demand steady so bacteria will have something to keep them going if there is no need for them they will die off. But I'd get the fish in there ASAP.

 

Ok, I'll just put one in there tomorrow. (LFS guy told me i need AT LEAST 6, but i knew better, these are the same guys that had me put 4 damsels in my 12g nano the very DAY I bought it! :) Thanks for the advice guys, karma!

 

don't forget, I'd wait at least 3 mos. for more additions and to add lights!! This whole biological filter thing takes forever!! Most importantly take your time and read up on everything!! As far as "speeding" things up... only bad things happen when you try to rush into things! Go slow and watch, you'll be happy in the long run!!

 

Also, if you are interested in going the slow route... check out my tank thread. Not saying I have done everything right... if I had to do it all over again I would put no LR in all base rock. But so far everything is going great in my tank... I added some very hardy fish early on and let everything go. It is all going great and my tank looks good (pay close attention to the timeline of my tank). My wife is worried about the very small diatom outbreak I have had and I just laugh and show her what others have gone through... my new cleanup crew is making quick work of this nusaince... probably have to start feeding the durned snails for a little while! Hope we all helped!

 

6 ???? Fish to cycle this tank with ???? I'd never listen to a damn thing they ever had to say I'd use them for just stock and dry good.. Not any information at all. They are either just stupid and hope their customers are also or they are just ignorant of how it works ?

 

Remember, a "cycle" means just that. You are going to see some serious swings in water params over time.

Nitrates should fall if cycle is complete and bacteria doing it's job.

If sure done, do not overpopulate or overfeed initially.

Get skimmer and get it cranked up.



Good Luck!

 

What's the deal with lights? I shouldn't have any for 3 mos you say? Why not?