So as I have written before, I have been cycling my tank for 6 weeks now (150 gallon, with less than 20 lbs live rock). I have watched as my ammonia levels have gone from a mere 1.0ppm (highest ever) to zero, which is great.
My issue is, for the past 4 weeks, my NITRITES have been stuck at .25ppm and my NITRATES have been at 10ppm. Not a huge spike as one would expect, but as you stated before, this is nothing to worry about.
So I visited my LFS today and the owner said my tank is most likely "stalled" because of the "smart cycle" that I introduced at his recommendation (1st mistake). Apparently, the "smart cycle" got rid of the ammonia quickly, but has done nothing for the nitrites and nitrates (see readings above).
His advice: "I believe you have all the beneficial bacteria to sustain life". He suggests to perform a 20 percent water change, wait a few hours, then check the levels again. He suggests this will reduce the nitrite/nitrate level, leaving the beneficial bacteria to do their job.
Any advice? Does this sound correct as I am now working on week number 7? What to do now???
Smitty? anyone??
My issue is, for the past 4 weeks, my NITRITES have been stuck at .25ppm and my NITRATES have been at 10ppm. Not a huge spike as one would expect, but as you stated before, this is nothing to worry about.
So I visited my LFS today and the owner said my tank is most likely "stalled" because of the "smart cycle" that I introduced at his recommendation (1st mistake). Apparently, the "smart cycle" got rid of the ammonia quickly, but has done nothing for the nitrites and nitrates (see readings above).
His advice: "I believe you have all the beneficial bacteria to sustain life". He suggests to perform a 20 percent water change, wait a few hours, then check the levels again. He suggests this will reduce the nitrite/nitrate level, leaving the beneficial bacteria to do their job.
Any advice? Does this sound correct as I am now working on week number 7? What to do now???
Smitty? anyone??