Ammonia and Nitrite at 0?

Discussion in 'New To The Hobby' started by Arc Katana, Sep 17, 2009.

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  1. Arc Katana

    Arc Katana Fire Worm

    Joined:
    Sep 14, 2009
    Messages:
    172
    Location:
    Midwest
    So I set up my 28G NanoCube on monday with live rock (~15lbs) and live sand (~20lbs). Two yellow tail damsels were added on Tuesday. I checked Ammonia today, expecting it to be in the 2-3 range. It was zero. So I rechecked it. Zero. I bought a new test kit. Zero.

    So I test the Nitrite. Zero. Same thing, retest - and zero.

    It's pretty safe to say there is no way this could be cycled this quickly, but there should be some signs of waste, at least the process or after effects.

    Fairly certain that all three test kits can't be bad (haven't expired either). I'll continue to test every other day while cycling.

    Is there perhaps not enough load? i.e. If I add more live rock, would the little bit of die off help?

    Thanks.
     
    Arc Katana, Sep 17, 2009
    Arc Katana, Sep 17, 2009
    #1

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  2. star_wolf_us

    star_wolf_us Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

    Joined:
    Aug 4, 2009
    Messages:
    90
    Location:
    Grinnell, IA
    It's very strange, but I've had my tank up and running since the 1st of this month. I stuck a piece of shrimp in there to start and never got any ammonia or nitrite....even a trace. So I went to the LFS and bought my 2 clowns and a bottle of turbo start. Had the clowns since the 6th and I've been adding base rock and LR when I have the money. I test everyday and I have yet to see even a trace of Ammonia, Nitrite, or even Nitrate. The lady at the LFS said that since I used LR, and live sand from a buddy's tank that was already established that my cycle could have already happened.
     
    star_wolf_us, Sep 17, 2009
    star_wolf_us, Sep 17, 2009
    #2
  3. pgreef

    pgreef Fire Goby

    Joined:
    Dec 6, 2008
    Messages:
    1,344
    Location:
    Algonquin, IL
    I had the same experience. If you have really well established LR it will kick in right away IME.
     
    pgreef, Sep 17, 2009
    pgreef, Sep 17, 2009
    #3
  4. GuitarMan89

    GuitarMan89 Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Mar 31, 2008
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    Location:
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    It's not unusual to not show ammonia or nitrite for a few days at least. Two damsels in a 28 are more then enough for a bioload. Just give it time. I bought my initial lr from my lfs and I never showed ammonia, but did see some nitrite. Just give it time, I wouldn't add anything for a while, you don't want to prolong the cycle or make it start over.
     
    GuitarMan89, Sep 17, 2009
    GuitarMan89, Sep 17, 2009
    #4
  5. JJK

    JJK Teardrop Maxima Clam

    Joined:
    Mar 7, 2009
    Messages:
    845
    The real test is whether you are showing any nitrate. You see, one of 2 things is possible here:
    1) your live rock and sand already have enough nitrifying bacteria to deal with your bioload. In this case, your ammonia and nitrite would measure zero, but your nitrates would rise as wastes are broken down by bacteria

    2) your bioload just hasn't produced much waste yet. In which case you would measure no ammonia, nitrites, or nitrates. And your cycle would have yet to begin.

    If you want to be sure, take a piece of food-grade shrimp and toss it in the tank to decompose. If your tank is cycled, you should still show no ammonia or nitrites after several days, but nitrates should rise.
     
    JJK, Sep 17, 2009
    JJK, Sep 17, 2009
    #5