New system cycling

[ih8needles]

I just set my system up on free slurpee day (7/11) and just did my ammonia and nitrite tests this morning. Ammonia is at 8.0 ppm and nitrite is at 5.0 ppm. Salinity is at 1.024. I have 70 pounds of live rock and 80 pounds of live oolite sand. In my sump is some live rock and a filter sock and skimmer. Everything sounding like the system is going in the right track? I have been following the sticky about cycling a new system.

 

[solitude127]

Sounds like you're on the right track. Now just be patient and let the tank do it's thing. Slow and steady

 

[looneywun7]

yep just let the tank sit with the lights off so you get some die off for it to cycle

 

[ih8needles]

I don't even have my lights yet. But since I'm only doing a FOWLR system, the zoomed aquasun led ho should be sufficient enough? And I'm planning on nature take it's toll on my system and not adding any fish for at least a month or 2. I just want the system to do its thing until all things are good to go.

 

[BeanMachine]

Once you read zero Ammonia, and Zero Nitrite... your tank cycled. Looks like your being patient so keep doing what your doing. That light should be plenty, its really just visual preference with a FOWLR.

 

[ih8needles]

So after the ammonia and nitrites zero out then the nitrates come up then back down, I'm good to go?

 

[ih8needles]

Also when should I do a water change?

 

[Adrock]

Once you read zero Ammonia, and Zero Nitrite... your tank cycled. Looks like your being patient so keep doing what your doing. That light should be plenty, its really just visual preference with a FOWLR.

Cody, 0 ammonia and 0 nitrite do not mean your tank has cycled nitrate is the end product of those two wastes being broken down if you show nitrate then your tank has cycled. You can show zero on Ammonia nitrite and nitrate but doesn't mean your tank has cycled. I would test frequently to monitor water quality. then do a water change when the test shows let me know if you have any questions

 

[vdejesus27]

I waited til my tank cycled for the first water change but I've also heard different. Don't forget to top off good luck!

 

[ih8needles]

Cody, 0 ammonia and 0 nitrite do not mean your tank has cycled nitrate is the end product of those two wastes being broken down if you show nitrate then your tank has cycled. You can show zero on Ammonia nitrite and nitrate but doesn't mean your tank has cycled. I would test frequently to monitor water quality. then do a water change when the test shows let me know if you have any questions

I will be testing water every 3-4 days. So just to be clear, when ammonia and nitrite test at zero and nitrates test positive my cycle has completed?

 

[BeanMachine]

Cody, 0 ammonia and 0 nitrite do not mean your tank has cycled nitrate is the end product of those two wastes being broken down if you show nitrate then your tank has cycled. You can show zero on Ammonia nitrite and nitrate but doesn't mean your tank has cycled. I would test frequently to monitor water quality. then do a water change when the test shows let me know if you have any questions

And if he's getting ammonia and nitrite readings now? And then they go to ZERO? Wouldn't that indicate a cycle like I said...

 

[BeanMachine]

I just set my system up on free slurpee day (7/11) and just did my ammonia and nitrite tests this morning. Ammonia is at 8.0 ppm and nitrite is at 5.0 ppm. Salinity is at 1.024. I have 70 pounds of live rock and 80 pounds of live oolite sand. In my sump is some live rock and a filter sock and skimmer. Everything sounding like the system is going in the right track? I have been following the sticky about cycling a new system.

First post.

 

[Reefing8EZ]

And if he's getting ammonia and nitrite readings now? And then they go to ZERO? Wouldn't that indicate a cycle like I said...

True, if amm and nitrite spike and drop and all you have left is nitrate then nitrogen cycle is complete since nitrate is the end product of the cycle. Just do WC to get nitrate to acceptable levels and you can start stocking slowly..

 

[Adrock]

And if he's getting ammonia and nitrite readings now? And then they go to ZERO? Wouldn't that indicate a cycle like I said...

no I have seen other wise nitrate is the end result you only monitor ammonia and nitrite because it can become toxic and can kill bacteria specially ammonia

 

[Adrock]

bacteria can die off if there is no food for it to eat and ammonia and nitrite read zero but you have no cycle

 

[ih8needles]

no I have seen other wise nitrate is the end result you only monitor ammonia and nitrite because it can become toxic and can kill bacteria specially ammonia

So my system is heading in the right direction? And I am not cleaning the glass or anything until the cycle ends.

 

[BeanMachine]

I need you to explain that further as I'm not following.

 

[ih8needles]

I need you to explain that further as I'm not following.

I'm so confused haha. 😩 you reefers are giving me a headache!! But in the long run I'm hoping it's worth it! I just want to thank you all for your help and knowledge and for giving me headaches!

 

[AddictedtoSalt]

From what I understand of cycling as long as you saw an ammonia rise and drop and than nitrite rise and drop and than nitrate rise the cycle is completed. Just make sure both ammonia and nitrite went up and then dropped to zero and you should be good. Nitrate doesnt tend to harm fish in small amounts, its the ammonia and nitrite thats poisonous.
Am I correct in this?

 

[ih8needles]

What is an acceptable level for nitrates?