Tank Cycled??

i put live sand and some live rock in the tank ten days ago and did my first tests today!
AMM below .25
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 5 to 10
Has my tank cycled? its only been 10 days and there is no algae yet?
the tank has been in the high 70's for the whole time?
What should i do??

 

i would say no youre not fully cycled. the trace amount of ammonia is one indication. has there been any "spikes" in your ammonia,nitrite and nitrates? and dont do any water changes until fully cycled

 

WAIT!!! You are still showing ammonia, you should have 0 ammonia after the tank has cycled. It usually takes 3-4 weeks to cycle, so you need to be patient. I would test again in another week or so, you may see some nitrites, but you may not. Even after reading 0, I would wait at least a few more days to make sure. I know waiting sucks, but in the long run, you will be much happier that you did. After cycling, you can start to add livestock, I would start with 1 fish and go from there. I would wait a month or two before adding corals as they require more stable parameters. Good luck.

 

cool yeah i am not in any kind of hurry. this will be my second tank so.... ill just wait
thanks

 

Your second tank? Then you should know better than thinking that after 10 days your tank has cycled.

Wait another 4 weeks or so.

 

In my experience tanks will first go through a mini cycle. In about 10 days as you are seeing. You should soon see a huge ammonia spike which will be the beginning of your real cycle.

 

cool thanks mike. this is my second tank but my first "started from scratch tank". my first was given to me already established.

 

Its definitely a big test of patience to watch your new tank cycle. Im setting up a 2.5 and getting ready for the long wait now.

 

my tank is almost 10 weeks of cycling with all parameters having huge spikes then going back down, but never to 0, i couldn't take it anymore of going fishless and my paitence ran out, and got a pair of clowns, so far, their doing ok. Good luck though, this is serious torture

 

your setting up a nano MIKE?