SeaMonster's 100 gallon cube

good stuff!

 

Thats exactly what happened. Did a WC and a few days later the nitrifiers were there

 

When you spike ammonia or nitrite it actually kills the nitrifiers.

 

So what caused the nitrites to spike in the first place? This is what happened to my cycle:

Day 1: Added dead shrimp
Day 7: Ammonia gone, Nitrites off the charts, they stayed high till day 43.
Day 44: Nitrites zero! They dropped consistently within a 12 hour period, I tested every 4-5 hours and it was lower every time.

I'm adding my first victims today! Maybe a pair of chromis. If the tank can process their ammonia, then maybe add a pair of clowns next weekend.

 

Too much food raised the ammonia. Nitrite formed but at a toxic level.Stalling the cycle. I was never fond of using a dead shrimp. You introduce an unknown quantity. Using a measured amount of ammonia allows much greater control. You can also use flake food. Pretend to feed 2 fish for a couple days until you see nitrite. Never allow ammonia to get higher then 2 ppm. Also the more junk you put in the more you have to remove in the form of nitrate/phosphate. You cannot stockpile bacteria as it is food limited. You just need enough to convert the waste of your first fish. I would wait just a tad longer to add the second set of fish.If for no other reason then to be sure the first fish aren't sick.Good luck!

 

We have life! first residents are in and appear healthy and happy. Also got a zoanthid frag which opened up and looks happy.

I drove around town visiting fish stores in search of the largest and smallest clown fish and this is the best I could find. Pretty sure the tiny guy knows he will not be the female in this union; hopefully no lip tearing initiations.

 

Congratulations, and many happy hours of staring at them.