seems like nothing is happening

Coming into my 3rd week of tank cycle and water tests have not changed in 2 weeks even after water changes. Ammonia 0 nitrite 0 nitrate 10 salt is 1.026. ph 8 calcium remanes high at approx 600. the only change I have noticed is water temp. When I first purchased the RSM 130 (34 gal) the pump for the skimmer did not work. When I got it replaced and installed the water temp went up. I know my temp is too high. 86-88 and a chiller is on the way. Should be here on Wednesday. Is the temp slowing things down or perhaps killed everything? My ammonia spiked right after I put in sand and rock. Both "live". Lasted about 2-3 days and then it dropped and nothing changed since. Been this way 2 weeks. I check water every 2-3 days to monitor the cycle.

Brown algea came and went. red and green algea starting. Very very little but you can see spots. Is the Tank ready for a cleaning crew?? (after temp is controlled of coarse). I plan on getting 20 hermits 20 snails 1 crab and 1 shrimp.

Any input would be appreciated.8)

 

Sounds like its cycled.
As you said, get the temp down to a comfortable 78-81, and then you should be fine to rock and roll.

 

You mentioned the ammonia spike and dropped and then nothing changed, what happened with your Nitrite and Nitrates? Ammonia is always going to be first with the other two following as the one before spikes and decreases.
What did you use to kick off the cycle. Also if you are keeping your lights on, I have heard and tried this on my last "newest" tank no lights during its cycle, it kept the algae outbreak down to a bare minnimum, where as in the past tanks its been fairly nasty.

 

I started with the lights on only 6 hours a day and have increased the time 15 minutes evey couple of days. Nitrates have gone from 0 to 10 and Nitrites have been 0

 

live rock and live sand are the only things in the tank.

 

To cycle a tank, you must have an ammonia source. It feeds and causes to colonize, the the bacteria that will permanently reside on all surfaces of glass, rock, sand, piping, etc. Once colonized in sufficient amounts; these bacteria will rid of your tank of ammonia and nitrate immediately upon production. The nitrification of nitrates takes a bit longer, but will happen also, in the crevaces devoid of O2 in your LR.

It sounds as if what little "die off" was on the LR when you put it in the tank caused a small amount of ammonia, but no significant cycle ensued. To put another way, you have at best a tiny colony of nitrifying bacteria. Probably insufficient for sustaining a tank full of livestock, and certainly not up to par for corals.

You must supply your new tank with a sustained ammonia source, such as a damselfish or two. Then over the next 12 weeks your tank will have cycled properly and completely.

I don't think you're ready for fish yet.

 

I waited for a month and never had a cycle... Most likely it's due to the live rock and sand.. you're already good to go.

(that's why you paid so much for the damn stuff anways)

 

I would suggest to take your time and let your tank cycle never rush it will only hurt down the road

 

I would have to agree with reefsparky, two weeks is a bit to soon to add livestock, the worst thing you can do with this hobby is to rush. Go to your LFS purchase a few Damsels and use them to cycle, don't set any rock with hold fast or make anything permanent in case you want the damsels out. I have also heard of cycling methods such as live rock and sand accompanied with brine shrimp or other foods to trigger the ammonia cycle, alot of people disagree with live fish cycling, thinking its cruel, in honesty i cycled my tank for 12 weeks adding my damsels 1 week after tank set up and did not lose one. But again be patient no need in rushing, no need to waist 40 bucks on a fish.

 

instead of damsels you can also use a uncooked piece of shrimp from the store toss it in the tank and walla it will kick start even faster then damsels I personally used damsels as thats what I read and was told to do but what ppl do not tell you is how much of a pain it is to get them out, once they start to bully the other fish you add in later down the line.