Cycle

[Lostpizza]

Day 7 after live rock. Any suggestions?

 

[clownster]

Looks like to going right. Just keep waiting.

 

[Marinne13]

just keep testing and watching...looks like your ammonia is going down and nitrites are up which is a good sign

 

[Lostpizza]

My ammonia has gone down even more, nitrates and nitrites are up..
Can I maybe start my clean up crew.. 2 crabs

 

[Neno reefs]

No, crabs are even more delicate then fish. And if nitrites are still high, then the cycle isn't done. Both ammonia and nitrites have to be 0 before its safe for livestock.

 

[Lostpizza]

Do I need a ph buffer

 

[salt_for_brains]

Just slow down take a deep breath and let your cycle complete:D When your ammonia and nitrites are zero do a water change. This will help bring your nitrates down. Test your water again after the water change and then we can go from there.

 

[Neno reefs]

Do I need a ph buffer

I would say no,

 

[Lostpizza]

Looking better

 

[salt_for_brains]

Awesome, looks like you are really close!

 

[Lostpizza]

When can I do my first water change?

 

[Lostpizza]

when can I do my first water change?

 

[Neno reefs]

When the cycle is done.

 

[Marinne13]

like Neno reefs said...when ammonia and nitrites hit 0/end of cycle

 

[Lostpizza]

My tank has completely cycled.. Can I do a 20% water change!

 

[Marinne13]

yes you can...did you get an ammonia spike and a nitrite spike? what are your Nitrate levels

 

[salt_for_brains]

Congrats! Yes, I would do a water change now. How high did your nitrates go up?

 

[Lostpizza]

Ammonia went up to 8.0ppm for a few days, then nitrites went up to around 5.0ppm..
Nitrate went all the way up to 160ppm for a day or more.. now everthing is at 0ppm. nitrates are between 0 and 5.0 ppm. Closer to 0 though!

 

[Marinne13]

awesome...looks like you can do a WC then get a fish!!

 

[Lostpizza]

Last check!