Some new pics of the tank (week 4 of cycling)

I used Dr. Tim's... worked great. I got tired of waiting after 8 weeks. Cycle finished completely in under a week.

 

I was referring to "bacteria" as a whole which includes both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. I realize having nitrate will not help with the ammonia/nitrite breakdown. Yes, I was referring to denitrification. Anaerobic bacteria breaks down nitrates into nitrogen and this bacteria resides in DSB. IMO it does do something for the tank but will only grow if you provide nitrate to be broken down.

 

I used Nutrafin Cycle for days 1,2,3 as recommended and then on week 2 Should I still ... Should I still go ahead and get dr tims or bio-spira?

 

Yes, but the presence of denitrifying bacteria is irrelevant to him putting a fish in the tank or not.

 

I just thought that nitrate might cause algae problems which are easier to take care of without having to worry about affecting fish.

 

I agree with you completely. It's normal to have high nitrates following cycling. That's why I suggested doing a huge water change, since nothing in the tank can be stressed out by brand new water. And then you're starting fresh. The bacteria live on the rock and substrate, so replacing the water has a negligible effect on their numbers.

 

Ok so I will go ahead and do a 30 gallon water change tom as well as add Dr Tims 1 and only and some more pellets tomorrow following the water change...

Does that sound good?

 

+1 to the water change. I consider a full cycle when nitrates then get broken down into nitrogen. But as always I could be wrong.

 

Sounds like you're on the right path!

 

The only reason to add live rock now is to get some coralline algae. Just need a small piece and scrape some off it into the tank.