new 20 gal

[bobert]

i might know why i haven't figured it out
step two of nitrate test:add 10 drops of nitrate test solution 1 and shake well
step three of nitrate test: shake nitrate test solution bottle 2 well then add ten drops of nitrate test solution bottle 2
well i forgot to shake the bottle

what i am asking is it safe to assume the tank has cycled ammonia has rose and dropped back to 0 and i am starting to get alge(sp) and the rocks are getting a purple-ish color about them

[dakar]

Sounds like an Aquarium Pharm. test kit... LOL I made the same mistake for the first few tests when getting started in reefing, only read the instructions out of shear frustration waiting for something to happen.

Are you still running carbon? I missed that part of the thread, but carbon will absorb ammonia to an extent, any mechanical filtration can do this. If enough ammonia is removed from the system before it can be broken down by nitrifying bacteria to convert it to nitrite and then nitrate, the 'cycle' will not have run it's natural course and will as soon as you add a bio-load. Nitrite should be detectable for a few days, followed by an unmistakable nitrate spike.

A two week cycle is not unheard of but is generally not the norm... 4-6 weeks is more common. Easiest way to determine is to add an ammonia load and watch your ammo, nitrite and nitrate levels (minus any carbon or mechanical filtration). Another small chunk of cocktail shrimp will do the job.... or a small fish, but for the sake of the welfare of the animal use the cocktail shrimp.

If it's cycled the system will be able to handle the load in the course of a few days or so after the organics have been completely broken down, if not you will jump start it to run a full cycle and be able to see it with your test kit.


Just my nickel's worth.

[bobert]

well i definatly dont want any fish in there till it has cycled i think its more than a nickles worth more like a quarter of good info

[bobert]

i got a fish!!!:D :D :D he's even got a twin lol

[jojo22]

Lookin good. What is next on your plan for the tank???

[bobert]

well probably another clarkii clown and then once i have a good amount of pods in the tank a coll gobie

[bobert]

got some more live rock and another clarkii clown and came up with names too
Krusty the clown(fish) and Desmon clark
krusty is on the left

[graphixx]

aaahhhh the little guys look happy. trucking right along buddy

[hummer]

tank is looking great buddy...