Slow to start cycle

I set up my tank several weeks ago. I made my salt water and tested it with a refractometer. Then added 50 lbs of base rock and 15 lbs of "live" rock (from "justliverock.com"). I was not real thrilled but, did not know better. I added Carib sea live sand. and begun the wait. Well after two weeks no appreciable Ammonia. So, I went to the LFS and bought some uncured live rock (about 15 lbs), a week later no ammonia. Then 4 days ago I dropped in a medium sized uncooked shrimp and today I tested the water, not much ammonia. What am I doing wrong?

90 gal tank with a sump, temp 80

 

put another shrimp in. and wait another week. your nitrites and ammonia will raise.

 

On my 29 I used 40 pounds of dead rock, 20 pounds of live sand, and 4 raw shrimp. I started my tank May 31st and yesterday I tested my water and my nitrates and nitrites are on their way down. Try more raw shrimp and maybe more flow?

 

What kind of test kit do you have? ....and what is the expiration date?

 

API test kit and it is not expired. I put two more shrimp in and will test it again tomorrow.

 

Yeah, make sure your parameters are perfect before adding fish. You don't want to make the mistake many of us have done... and that is to rush things and then loose a lot of money. I let my tank cycle for over 3 months before adding my first chromis. Shrimps are a great way, so you are doing it right!

 

every tanks different. some show levels quicker than others. get another piece in there, and i would expect to start seeing your levels rising over the next week or so. good luck and let us know how things are moving along.

guy

 

I tested this morning, I don't know if the two new shrimp helped or just the time. Ammonia was up and the water is beginning to cloud and smell.....yea I am on my way.

 

Good. Just make sure the ammonia and nitrates are 0 before adding lifestock. Happy for you!

 

Great!, It's probably a combination of both the shrimps and time.

Just remember patience and time are the the keys to a beautiful tank .