0 PPM readings in one week?

[raptor72]

I've had my new 125 G. tank running for exactly 1 week now. I started it off with 40 lbs of live rock and added new sand 2 days after I filled it up. It's been running with a Precision Marine 125 Skimmer and a Mag 12 pump.
Today I tested for Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrate, not expecting to see good results just yet. As I ran each test, it resulted with 0 ppm. The test kit was factory sealed and is an API SW Master Test Kit.
Is it possible to get these results in 1 week?

 

[brandonsivek]

My guess would be that it hasnt even started the cycling process yet. Did you add anything to jump start your ammonia?

 

[raptor72]

Other than the 40 lbs of live rock, no. I brought 5 lbs of sand from a friend's tank to seed mine yesterday. I'm thinking of putting a couple of green chromis and a CUC to start it off if it hasn't already.

 

[brandonsivek]

Well, thats how I started my tank as well. I have a 125 and I bought around 130 lbs. of live rock. It was all out of a well established tank, and I just let the die off start the cycle. This still took my tank around a month though. I wouldnt add anything yet honestly, seems way to fast, but let others chime in first.
You dont really want to use "cycle fish" as this has become an outdated approach to starting a tank up. Putting fish in a tank will most likely kill them and if it doesnt, than it will surely burn their gills from the amount of ammonia. The best thing to do is go to the grocery store and get some cocktail shrimp. Just put a couple of them in your tank for a few days and let them start the ammonia. Also, it is a good idea to put the shrimp in something like a womans nylon stocking because the shrimp are going to start to deteriorate.

 

[chain]

Yes using the raw shrimps is a good way to supply a source of ammonia. The live rock will start the cycle eventually; however the issue with this is that some rock is more cured then other rock. The more cured rock won't have as much die off therefore it will take longer for the cycle to begin and properly set in. Technically a cycle never ends. It will always be going constantly in your system until you shut your tank down or quite supplying a source of ammonia/nitrite for the 2 types of beneficial bacteria to feed off of. By not supplying ammonia you will eventually kill off all of your bacteria as without the 1st type of bacteria to break down ammonia into nitrite there won't be any nitrite for the 2nd type of bacteria to feed off of and convert into nitrate. You can opt to wait a while for the cycle to begin, or you can jump start it with a source of ammonia with the raw shrimp in the filter sock or stocking.

 

[raptor72]

I'm going to get some more live rock tomorrow, I think I'll also pick up a bottle of that bacteria in a bottle to help move the process along. Does anyone have any opinions on using that? I've used them before when setting up FW tanks.

 

[slice]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Raptor72 http:///forum/thread/384110/0-ppm-readings-in-one-week#post_3363931
I'm going to get some more live rock tomorrow, I think I'll also pick up a bottle of that bacteria in a bottle to help move the process along. Does anyone have any opinions on using that? I've used them before when setting up FW tanks.
I used Seachem Stability when establishing the cycle in my tank. I can't really say if it did anything or not, perhaps shortened the process a few days.
My vote is to heed Brandon and Chain's advice and throw in a table shrimp or 2.