Saltwater Cycling Help 2

Ok, now that I have tested everything for my tank, I am a bit worried. I have been cycling for about 2 weeks now and have been using the cocktail shrimp method. I had the shrimp in for about 5 days then took it out. About 5 days ago I added bacteria in a bottle to help speed up the process. Today, my ammonia is at 1, nitrite is at 5, and nitrate is at around 140. Are these numbers too high? Should I start doing water changes? If so how much and how often? If my ammonia hits 0, will my ammonia eating bacteria die???? What should I do!!:-[

 

Your fine don't worry. When your ammonia reaches 0 your bacteria will be established and your nitraites should start dropping. Some people do water changes during their cycle I just let mine go until my ammonia and nitrites are 0 the I did a 50% change and added a cuc.

 

Numbers are fine, when ammonia hits 0 you can add a tiny pinch of food in to keep the bacteria going. If you want to lower your nitrate numbers you can start doing water changes. It will not remove any significant amount of bacteria as it is attached to your rock, sand and equipment.

 

Ok so I will wait out the ammonia until it gets to 0, then my nitrates should drop, but how do i get my nitrites down? Do you think i am getting to the end of the cycle?

 

Nitrites will come down with sufficient bacterial growth. You are probably another couple of weeks from finished.