Cycling question please help

Ok guys its been about 4 weeks now, and my nitrite still show 0. I added a clown fish about 2 weeks ago, hoping that it would speed up the process, but there's nothing yet. There is some hair algae growing. There are also little bugs on the sandbed, especially around night time. I am getting concerned

 

I also started a 55g with around 80 lbs of live rock that has been cycling for years in someone elses tank. The only time out of water was to transfer to a new bin for me to take home, literally seconds and then again to put into my tank. I too never experienced any spikes and when I inquired of the person I purchased the live rock from, was told it was already cycled and should not see any spikes. Maybe this is why you are not seeing what you typically would with uncured live rock. Have fun!

 

So i am good to go? Should i just do a 20% water change and start stocking? thanks!

 

I woke up this morning to find the clown fish dead...i will check the water when i get home today.

 

When you go to the LFS have them double check your test results.

A 10-20% water change seems fine at this point in my opinion.

You have added raw shrimp/live fish and cured LR, I am not surprised at the nitrite, I would be very surprised if you had no nitrates at this point.

Stock slowly one or two fish every couple weeks, hardy corals you can go add more quickly as long as your parameter are in line.

Do you have any current values for SG and nitrates?

 

I havent checked my water today, but in the last week its been:
Amonia:0
Nitrite:still 0
Nitrate: just a little above 0...On the test strips 0 is white and its showing just a slight shade of pink

 

Personally I just spent the 30 bucks and got the marine test kit with the drops. It lasts you a lot longer IMO....more accurate readings.

 

I have that as well, but it doenst show nitrite or amonia...I will probably take a sample of the water and take it to my LFS and see what exactly is going on