Cycling - H20 Changes: To Change or not to Change?

Discussion in 'New To The Hobby' started by gamma, Apr 8, 2004.

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  1. gamma

    gamma Spaghetti Worm

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    Re: Cycling - H20 Changes: To Change or not to Cha

    My LR, was also cured. As far as my LS, I'll check when I get home. I don't remember the brand off the top of my head.

    How long did you wait before you added fish?

    It seems like from your exp, that it is possible not to go through the A-N-N cycle????

    Anyone else experience something like this of not having any spikes?
     
    gamma, Apr 9, 2004
    gamma, Apr 9, 2004
    #11

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  2. gamma

    gamma Spaghetti Worm

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    Re: Cycling - H20 Changes: To Change or not to Cha

    Hey Joe, I use Nature's Ocean brand live reef sand. It also says instant cycling. What do you think?
     
    gamma, Apr 11, 2004
    gamma, Apr 11, 2004
    #12
  3. Phil5613

    Phil5613 Purple Spiny Lobster

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    Re: Cycling - H20 Changes: To Change or not to Cha

    Hey guys just because you missed the spike doesn't mean it didn't happen. Also without seeing the spike you run the risk of rushing to fast and adding to much then in 3 months you have trouble. I am glad your water parms look ok but do urge caution a Patience right now. 8)
     
    Phil5613, Apr 11, 2004
    Phil5613, Apr 11, 2004
    #13
  4. Craig Manoukian

    Craig Manoukian Giant Squid

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    Re: Cycling - H20 Changes: To Change or not to Cha

    After 3 weeks of zero A-N-N make sure you go 3 - 4 weeks between adding fish. Go slow and let it grow is the mantra!
     
    Craig Manoukian, Apr 11, 2004
    Craig Manoukian, Apr 11, 2004
    #14
  5. Land_Fish

    Land_Fish Guest

    Re: Cycling - H20 Changes: To Change or not to Cha

    What are the Cal-Alk-pH reading and Salinity.
     
    Land_Fish, Apr 12, 2004
    Land_Fish, Apr 12, 2004
    #15
  6. JOER0178

    JOER0178 Peppermint Shrimp

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    Re: Cycling - H20 Changes: To Change or not to Cha

    I CHECKED MY AMMONIA NITRATES AND NITRITES EVERY OTHERDAY WHEN I ADDED MY SAND AND ROCK AND COCKTAIL SHRIMP. DO YOU THINK THAT I COULD HAVE MISSED THE SPIKE TESTING EVERY OTHER DAY.
     
    JOER0178, Apr 12, 2004
    JOER0178, Apr 12, 2004
    #16

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  7. gamma

    gamma Spaghetti Worm

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    Re: Cycling - H20 Changes: To Change or not to Cha

    JoeR0178 did you see the other thread I have, Strange ANN Cycle? Read up on that one. These 2 posts are kinda merging together.

    Sounds like you have what I have. Were you able to detect Nitrates? I tested yesterday and still no ammonia or nitrites, but I do have nitrates.

    I'm gonna do another test tonight as well as check the phosphates, alkalinity and calcium.

    GaMmA
     
    gamma, Apr 12, 2004
    gamma, Apr 12, 2004
    #17
  8. Black_Raven

    Black_Raven Scooter Blennie

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    Re: Cycling - H20 Changes: To Change or not to Cha

    Hey GaMma, sounds like your tank has already cycled, LS
    and LR can cycle your tank that fast. A friend of my at the LFS (which only deals in marine fish) cycles his tanks in 3-5 days using LR and LS, or so he says. Check your ammonia and nitrite daily this week. If there is no spike and you still have nitrates you are definitely cycled. Nice work!
     
    Black_Raven, Apr 12, 2004
    Black_Raven, Apr 12, 2004
    #18
  9. gamma

    gamma Spaghetti Worm

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    Re: Cycling - H20 Changes: To Change or not to Cha

    Here are the latest readings:

    sg = 1.019
    pH = 8.0
    ammonia = 0
    nitrite ~ 0
    nitrate = 12.5
    kH = 8
    calcium = 310
    phosphate = 0.5

    I know the sg is low, nitrate is high, but as far as Ca & PO[sub]4[/sub] do I need to be concerned w/ those right now even if I don't have corals?

    Where should I be for pH & kH?

    Should I wait longer for cycling?
     
    gamma, Apr 12, 2004
    gamma, Apr 12, 2004
    #19
  10. Matt Rogers

    Matt Rogers Kingfish

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    Re: Cycling - H20 Changes: To Change or not to Cha

    pH could be a bit higher, but that might just be when you took it. Was it in the morning or evening? Morning will give you a lower pH.

    You might as well start getting your calcium up if you are going to get corals, so start thinking about that....

    Alk is low if I am reading that right. Should be around 11 or so. Try to get that up too.

    Not sure what the cut off is for phosphate problems, but I think you're fine.

    Nitrates are pretty good. Keep an eye on them the next couple weeks and see if they go down.

    Your live sand definitely sped things up I bet, but if I were you, I would take a whee bit longer and try to correct some of those numbers first.

    I think you can adjust alk and calcium without messing with your cycle. I would think so anyway.

    BOY I'M REALLY SURE OF MYSELF TONIGHT! ;D

    lol
     
    Matt Rogers, Apr 12, 2004
    Matt Rogers, Apr 12, 2004
    #20
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