Does this cycling period look normal?

artrichter001 · 11-03-2007, 04:51 PM

Hi guys! I'm in the process of cycling a new tank, but have noticed that the cycling process is taking less time than normal. does this seem ok? blue line is ammonia level and pink one is nitrite.

i used only live rock to start the cycle.

omard · 11-03-2007, 04:59 PM

Looking good. Doing just what it is supposed to. ---- keep watching that ammonia fall and nitrites/nitrates rise...and then they will eventually start to drop also.

artrichter001 · 11-03-2007, 11:43 PM

Thanks Omard!!

ianaco70 · 11-10-2007, 09:51 PM

I am also cycling my 75 gal. tank with rock but also damsels. The ammonia levels will eventually continue to fall and nitrites should be noticeable. The nitrites will increase then eventually fall and your nitrate levels will be noticeable and also begin to rise before falling. Your tank will then be cycled. I've been told this can take up 3 or 4 months.

Camilsky · 11-11-2007, 02:03 AM

Hey Mate!

Just my 0.02$: if You try to compare 0.5 ppm with 1.0ppm you have to be careful. To be sure You should repeat the test at least 2 times. The intrinsic error in typical ammonia/ninhydrin based test's can be up to 0.5 ppm. If I were You I would wait until the ammonia is beyond the limit of detection! I'm just trying to say that ammonia test for aquarium water are more or less qualitative and not ultra quantitative. Please keep it in mind!

geekdafied · 11-11-2007, 03:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Camilsky

Hey Mate!

Just my 0.02$: if You try to compare 0.5 ppm with 1.0ppm you have to be careful. To be sure You should repeat the test at least 2 times. The intrinsic error in typical ammonia/ninhydrin based test's can be up to 0.5 ppm. If I were You I would wait until the ammonia is beyond the limit of detection! I'm just trying to say that ammonia test for aquarium water are more or less qualitative and not ultra quantitative. Please keep it in mind!

good info!

artrichter001 · 11-12-2007, 09:15 AM

thanks for the info! Today, cycle has enden (Ammonia 0, Nitrite 0, Nitrate 0). Now, I have the diatom problem!!!!

It is very true what you say about test kits. I often have serious doubts about the reading im getting, even sometimes colors don't match with those on the cardboard reader.

omard · 11-12-2007, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by artrichter001

thanks for the info! Today, cycle has enden (Ammonia 0, Nitrite 0, Nitrate 0). Now, I have the diatom problem!!!!

It is very true what you say about test kits. I often have serious doubts about the reading im getting, even sometimes colors don't match with those on the cardboard reader.

Congrats...initial cycle now over.--- let it sit a while before adding any other life...then do so very slowly.

Know it is hard to be patient...but try...

GOOD LUCK!

Learn to Live With It

Adam Blundell M.S.

"...As surprising as it may seem your tank will look ugly at first. This happens to all new marine aquariums as they cycle through their initial filtration phase. Your tank may go brown, and then green, and then red, and then just look junky. It happens. Consequently the one coral you really want to keep may not live. You may struggle to raise the prize fish you originally intended to acquire. It's okay; just learn to love whatever is working for you. Remember, not only is this a hobby, but we are keeping living ecosystems. Special efforts should be put forth to enjoy and appreciate what we are keeping, whatever it may be. It takes time and patience to turn a glass box full of rock into a beautiful, thriving reef tank..."

"God Willing" & Patience your tank will one day look like this!

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