Sand only Cycle?

I have just started my new 75gal and am waiting for my LR to arrive, I am going to cure in tank (wife is very understanding).

After running tap water through tank for 4 days as a wet run I drained and then 3 days ago I filled tank and sump with RODI water. Put down plenum, covered with 40lbs crush coral and 40lbs oolitic sand.

Just because I wanted to "break it in" I ran my test kit to get a base line. My measurements were
Temp 79F
Salinity 1.020 (still addin salt in small increments to get to 1.025)
ph 8.3
Alk 2.2
Tot Ammonia 0.10
Nitrite 0.10
Nitrate 0.0

I was a bit supprised that I detected any Ammonia or Nitrate, best I can figure either the % Error in measurement or I have a mini-cycle going on from detrius in the sand/crushed coral (I did rinse it thourgly with Tap, our tapi reads about 120 TDS). Note that this is not seed sand or crushed coral.

Any oppinions?

I'm not really too freaked about it, just figure a mini-cycle that will be dwarfed by what happens when I dump in my LR

Also, I was happy with my pH but my Alk seems a bit on the low side, would you add some buff? And what would you target for Alk?


Best Regards,

Ken

 

You want to get your alkalinity up to atleast 7dKH and maintain it!!! What will happen in time is if your alkalinity isn't up near 7, you will find out that you will have problems with your pH at night. One of the reasons for your low alkalinity level is due to your low salinity(specific gravity)!!!!!!!! Once you raise your specific gravity in your water your alkalinity will increase as well. You want to aim for a S.G. of 1.015-1.030, however alot has to do with the temperature of your water as well in getting a proper reading of your salinity!!!!

 

Thanks for the info. I knew the salinity was low, and have been bumping it up step wise, figured it would be easier to add then to dilute.