Stuck Cycle?

Discussion in 'General Reef Topics' started by mscottring, May 7, 2009.

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  1. mscottring

    mscottring Fire Shrimp

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    I'm trying to be patient, and let the cycle complete naturally. Hopefully these numbers will start to fluctuate within the next week or so.
     
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  3. ReefSparky

    ReefSparky Super Moderator

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    Step away from the tank!!!

    Test once a week.

    When the ammonia and nitrites are zero, and nitrates accumulate over time, your cycle is complete. Not before. :)
     
    Last edited: May 8, 2009
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  4. tigermike74

    tigermike74 Panda Puffer

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    Like Sparky said, your cycle isn't done until both Ammonia and Nitrite are zero. the best thing you can do for your tank is to leave it alone, even after your tank is stable. We are trying to recreate the balance of the ocean in a little glass box. Things don't happen over night, it takes time to work itself out. Doing any water changes before this happens will only set you back a long time.
    One thing that I have learned in the 7 years I have been in this hobby is that the less you mess with the tank, the better off you will be. As my LFS told me when I panicked over signs of NH3 in my tank "don't F@ck with the tank, just leave it alone, it will work itself out naturally. Add a cap of Cycle if you want, but the best way to have a healthy system is to stop messing with it." We all want to force the tank into a stable nature, but we tend to overcompesate with additives, then end up messing things up even worse than before in doing so. With their advice, I haven't lost any more fish due to water quality.
    Just take it slow. As Matt (Rogers) says in his signature here "Go slow, let it grow."
     
  5. Tangster

    Tangster 3reef Sponsor

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    I think I'd step away and set back and allow it 5 more weeks to fully cycle , Save the test kit money for more important stuff they cycle when they cycle and 10 to 12 weeks is what is really needed . Bacterium can't be rushed they have been doing their Jobs for billions of yrs and they are not going to change now..
     
  6. mscottring

    mscottring Fire Shrimp

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    I appreciate all of the help. I didn't plan on putting anything in, or trying to rush the cycle in any way. I just thought that after ammonia hit zero the nitrite to nitrate part would move faster (or move at all) then it's been moving. That's the only reason for the question.
     
  7. ReefSparky

    ReefSparky Super Moderator

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    well put.

    Now, how can I rush those darn ballasts from AquaCave? I'm getting really impatient! :) :) :)