/ Register

  1. Do you have an old account but can't access it?


    See Accessing your GIRS Account or Contact Us - We are here to help!

Questions on a `cycle` for my 120.... HELP!

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by gb387, May 19, 2009.

  1. May 19, 2009 #1
    gb387

    gb387 Inactive User

    802
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    OK here is what I have now, 2 weeks in....  I stated with 40 pounds of new sand, 35-40 pounds of base rock 10 pounds of live rock from my existing aquarium and 2-3 cups of sand from my existing aquarium.  It really doesn't seem that I have seen an ammonia spike, there seems to be some life left on the live rock and there are several little star fish making a home of the new aquarium.  A few days ago I tossed in a couple frozen krill in hopes that would help a little.  What am I doing wrong?
    I have no lights right now, one powerhead and a heater going right now.
    When should I see the ammonia spike?
     
  2. May 19, 2009 #2
    gb387

    gb387 Inactive User

    802
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    One more thing - I have about 40 gallons of new water and 40 gallons of water from my other tank (80 gallons total) - I am not running the sump right now.
     
  3. May 19, 2009 #3
    slovan

    slovan Experienced Reefkeeper

    1,834
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    You might see a small spike but I doubt you will see a full cycle since you used a lot of established water. I would suggest waiting a bit longer or you could put in a few test corals to see how they respond. However, I wouldn't recommend the latter...it wouldn't be responsible reefkeeping! [​IMG]
     
  4. May 19, 2009 #4
    adampottebaum

    adampottebaum Experienced Reefkeeper GIRS Member

    2,329
    Ratings:
    +19 / 0 / -0
    Yea I don't think you'll get any noticeable spike at all, not with all that established material used.You could add some table shrimp to make sure you get a spike, but I don't think it's worth it. Not having a spike isn't a bad thing, it's definitely not necessary.
     
  5. May 19, 2009 #5
    jtesdall

    jtesdall Expert Reefkeeper

    3,189
    Ratings:
    +1 / 0 / -0
    Hmmmm seems like maybe you should have seen some Ammonia Brandon. What about Nitrite or Trate?
     
  6. May 20, 2009 #6
    gb387

    gb387 Inactive User

    802
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    Posted By jtesdall on 05/19/2009 09:05 PM
    Hmmmm seems like maybe you should have seen some Ammonia Brandon. What about Nitrite or Trate?
    I have been waiting for the ammonia so haven't tested for anything else....  but I will tonight.
     
  7. May 20, 2009 #7
    jtesdall

    jtesdall Expert Reefkeeper

    3,189
    Ratings:
    +1 / 0 / -0
    You might already have enough Nirosomonas bacteria to convert the Ammonia. So I would say testing for Nitrites and trates would be a great idea.
    Are you still thinking about hooking the systems together? If not you will have to move things very slowly over a few weeks I would say. Once the cycle is complete of course.
     
  8. May 20, 2009 #8
    gb387

    gb387 Inactive User

    802
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    I still plan on hooking the systems together for a time to help with acclimation. I will do some additional testing tonight.
     
  9. May 20, 2009 #9
    gb387

    gb387 Inactive User

    802
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    OK, first... are there any better kits out there than API? I guess I am not sure they are giving me results, they are about 6 months old so age shouldn't be a problem.

    Nitrite - somewhere between 0 and .25 ppm (Hard to tell)
    Nitrate - Show 0 ppm, no doubt on this as its a very BRIGHT yellow as indicated on the test card
    Ammonia - MAYBE .25 ppm but looks closer to 0

    What the!?!?
     
  10. May 20, 2009 #10
    jtesdall

    jtesdall Expert Reefkeeper

    3,189
    Ratings:
    +1 / 0 / -0
    Sure, I am partial to Seachem kits but many like Salifert.
    API should plenty good for a cycle though. If it is that hard to tell then the cycle hasn't really started. If Nitrate is bright yellow there isn't much. It needs to start going Orange. I guess just wait Brandon.
    Maybe take and empty out one of the filter socks into the new tank. That should give it a good start. HAve you started using them yet?
     
  11. May 21, 2009 #11
    gb387

    gb387 Inactive User

    802
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    OK, there is ammonia today! .50 ppm

    So I am progressing?
     
  12. May 21, 2009 #12
    jtesdall

    jtesdall Expert Reefkeeper

    3,189
    Ratings:
    +1 / 0 / -0
    Yup, I would say you are on your way.
     
  13. May 23, 2009 #13
    gb387

    gb387 Inactive User

    802
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    OK, all is looking good I now have nitrite... I have never been so excited things are finally moving!!! Glad I am working 6 days a week or I would be very impatient.

    Should I seed with some more sand from my running aquarium?
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Accept Learn More...