Am I cycled? Where are my nitrates?

[drgriff]

My tank has been up for 11 weeks now. My LFS told me that the tank would cycle in about 6-8 weeks with the LR and the damsels. They told me that the cycle was over when the nitrates started to rise- the only test the LFS sold me to monitor the cycle, and there was an algae bloom. They recommended that I start testing at week 6 to see if the nitrates were rising. Since this BB I have learned that I shouldbe testing ammonia and nitrites to follow the cycle. So I bought both tests and they are 0. My problem is that the nitrate test is still 0, 0 for 5 weeks. And there was no algae Bloom . I had some algae growing in patches on the glass and the CC has turned more brown, but no huge bloom, the water is still clear. I was hoping that the test was malfunctioning but I tried it on my son's FW and got a reading. If my ammonia and nitrites are 0, shouldn't my nitrates be showing up? Where are my nitrates? My fish store recommended waiting to add anything else until the nitrates rise and I do my first water change. Should I increase the bioload, maybe a couple of coctail shrimp, to start a mini cycle? I know this is a hobby of money and patience but... Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.
pH- 8.2
calcium 430
salinity 1.022
temp 75, a little low but getting a heater
ammonia-0
nitrites-0
nitrates-0
lights on 10 hours a day

 

[jumpfrog]

If you haven't added to the bioload and your ammonia and nitrites are reading zero for several days you cycle is complete. Nitrates may show up or not. It may take a very long time if your bioload is very small. In any case, a presence of nitrates is not necessary. In fact, most everyone does their very best to have permanent zero nitrate readings. I'm not sure why your LFS is telling you to wait for a nitrate reading.
You're cycled!
What do you want to do next?

 

[pbuck]

I agree with the refugium and I also reccommend using RO water to eliminate any brown algae that you have in your tank. Diatoms are what is causing your tank to have that brown look. Tap water and some distilled water still have silicates (diatom food) in them. I have never found RO water to have any silicates. I switched to RO and never have had a problem with diatoms since.

 

[pbuck]

and actually from looking at your sig I would reccomend not using your protein skimmer until your tank has had time to develop some diversity. Depending on your LR you can get amphipods, and other creatures that live off the nutrients in your tank and a skimmer will remove them completely. I also dont think you need a UV sterilizer either. You should take a look at a site: www.garf.org they have a "bullet proof reef recipe" that works wonders. They have some magnificant pictures of their corals and have some great advice.