New Tank Cycle Question

Hello,

I purchased two bottles of Instant Ocean's Bio-Spira and a bottle of your Ammonium Chloride from Dr. Foster and Smith. I followed your instructions of adding one drop for each gallon of water (I have a 38 gallon salt) and recorded my results after 24 hours. I had virtually no ammonia but my nitrite was sky high. I checked again today (48 hours after adding) and having the same results. As you instructed, I have not added anymore ammonium chloride since I'm waiting for the parameters to come down to zero. Is this a normal outcome so far or do you think the Bio-Spira is no longer active?

I have documented my build on Nano-Reef.com and here is my link. I have many pictures showing the build: http://www.nano-reef.com/topic/348980-shawnrivs-im-nuvo-38-build-tons-of-pictures/

Thanks.

 

hey shawn- I looked at you nano thread and saw that you have a fair amount of live sand and rock. I would think it would be a bit early in your cycle to expect the bacterial colonies to be fully functional. I would question the test kit you are using. Salifert gives more reliable results. You can also compare your results with the fish store. It is possible that the correct bacteria are already in place to convert ammonia, but probably not in adequate amounts. I would suggest just feeding the aquarium with any foods in the amount you plan to feed your fish. That will generate the ammonia and the bacteria will populate in accordance. You really need to be sure of your tests especially down the line and API will mislead you. I would expect the full cycle (till only nitrATES are detectable) to take several weeks.

 

Exactly how high is "sky high"? Can you give us a number? Fact is, with or without live rock, live sand, or bottled bacterial supplements, a high Nitrite level can stall your cycle. The bacteria that metabolizes Nitrite into Nitrate is also sensitive to elevated levels of Nitrite, especially if it's at or above 5.0 ppm. I agree with getting a second opinion on the exact reading, but be prepared to change a few gallons of water to get it down.

 

Bill is right. And I'm not sure there is a real way to skip the cycle. The cycle is there for a reason. Hang right. This is all part of it.