Parameters during cycle...

Discussion in 'New To The Hobby' started by gamertag, Oct 30, 2011.

to remove this notice and enjoy 3reef content with less ads. 3reef membership is free.

Page 1 of 2
  1. gamertag

    gamertag Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2011
    Messages:
    70
    Location:
    MA
    I am coming up on 2 weeks into cycle and I Have seen no change in ammonia or in nitrite. Ph is holding at about 7.8. What's strange is i am seeing an increase in nitrate without change in any other values.

    I know all systems are different but is this strange? What is the typical / tule of thumb parameter fluctuation and timeframe during a cycle?
    I would think ammonia > trite > trate but I know nothing.......
     
    gamertag, Oct 30, 2011
    gamertag, Oct 30, 2011
    #1

    2. Click Here!

  2. Rtm2017

    Rtm2017 Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

    Joined:
    Sep 13, 2011
    Messages:
    82
    Location:
    Tucson,AZ
    Did you put something in to start the cycle? and are you waiting the 5 minutes before checking colors? i know my API test kits all show 0 if i don't wait 5 minutes.
     
    Rtm2017, Oct 30, 2011
    Rtm2017, Oct 30, 2011
    #2
  3. gamertag

    gamertag Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2011
    Messages:
    70
    Location:
    MA
    Yes thanks for the response and sorry for not being more clear. I am using the shrimp in a stocking method. I also added all live rocks ~90 lbs which the lfs said may kick off the cycle on their own.

    I am certainly waiting the 5 mins on the API tests.
     
    gamertag, Oct 30, 2011
    gamertag, Oct 30, 2011
    #3
  4. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

    Joined:
    May 28, 2011
    Messages:
    4,874
    Location:
    USA
    With 90lbs of live rock, you might not see any ammonia or nitrite as it is already populated with the nitrifying bacteria. Buying it already cured from a LFS ensures less chance of die-off, as well.
     
    Mr. Bill, Oct 30, 2011
    Mr. Bill, Oct 30, 2011
    #4
  5. gamertag

    gamertag Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2011
    Messages:
    70
    Location:
    MA

    Is there something I should/can do to ensure that my parameters are stable to the point where i can green light adding livestock??
     
    gamertag, Oct 30, 2011
    gamertag, Oct 30, 2011
    #5
  6. Reefing Madness

    Reefing Madness Skunk Shrimp

    Joined:
    Jul 2, 2011
    Messages:
    267
    Add one fish at a time, not many. If you did in fact use Fully Cured Live Rock, you will not see a normal cycle, but the stunted one. And once your Trates are below 40, your good to go.
     
    Reefing Madness, Oct 30, 2011
    Reefing Madness, Oct 30, 2011
    #6

    7. Click Here!

  7. gamertag

    gamertag Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2011
    Messages:
    70
    Location:
    MA
    Thanks for all the feedback. I am going to keep an eye on it closely and not add anything quite yet. Maybe ill post specific params in a couple days for some feedback again.
     
    gamertag, Oct 30, 2011
    gamertag, Oct 30, 2011
    #7
  8. ricoop

    ricoop Skunk Shrimp

    Joined:
    Jul 28, 2011
    Messages:
    271
    Location:
    DFW Area, TX
    You say your ammonia and nitrite have changed. Are you showing any kind of reading or just 0?
     
    ricoop, Oct 30, 2011
    ricoop, Oct 30, 2011
    #8
  9. gamertag

    gamertag Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2011
    Messages:
    70
    Location:
    MA
    Nitrite and ammonia are showing 0. Nitrate is at the 2nd color (I don't have my record book with me but if I remember correctly its 8ppm??)
     
    gamertag, Oct 30, 2011
    gamertag, Oct 30, 2011
    #9
  10. ricoop

    ricoop Skunk Shrimp

    Joined:
    Jul 28, 2011
    Messages:
    271
    Location:
    DFW Area, TX
    With 90lbs of live rock it may have already cycled. I think you have the right idea. Wait a little longer and then check everything again. It looks good, I would think you could put a few things in and give it try. Just remember the slogan...Go slow and let it grow!
     
    ricoop, Oct 30, 2011
    ricoop, Oct 30, 2011
    #10
Page 1 of 2