Cycle in progress question

[armlocker]

Ok it has been 1 week exactly since beginning my cycle with 10 Lbs of live rock and 1 chromis in my 30 gal tank and i have some questions. First, after just testing the water, my ph is 8.2, ammonia and nitrite is ZERO, and nitrate is at 15 ppm. I have not noticed a spike in either ammonia or nitrite since i started the cycle but did have low readings of both, and now they are both zero. My live rock near the surface is growing a rust colored algae that seems to be starting to grow on my substrate also. I basically need to know where in the "cycle" i am. All i can think of is that i havent produced enough ammonia to begin just yet, or that it it already done (doubtful). I used a emperor 400 filter with USED bio-wheels (possibly speeding the bacteria growth?) Any opinions would be great. Thanks!

 

[new2u]

I assume that you put an amonia source in there AND if thats true it sounds like you never had a cycle. This happenss occasionally when you use live bioballs and live rock you have enough bacteria already. You just got lucky

 

[armlocker]

Well the 1 chromis would be my ammonia source, but i didn't use any bioballs, and the biowheels on the filter were well used but had sat dry for over a year.

 

[new2u]

well the bio wheel is most definatly dead i thought you said bio balls

well one chromis is a pretty light amonia source I would be carefull about adding fish but it sounds like the "brown stuff" is diatoms which will die off and are a sign your cycle is complete

 

[armlocker]

After a closer look i can see lots of small green hairs starting to grow on the glass, isnt that also a sign of a comleted cycle? I'm still very hesitant to think it's done in 6-7 days...

 

[new2u]

well mine took a week too and i was hesitant but you are discribing ditoms which is a sign that your cycle is either near or fully complete. I would now suggest buying a clean up crew wait a while and then adding some fish. Personally I would go with 2 narisouss (spelling) 10 turbos 1 emrald crab 1 or 2 brittle stars and a couple scarlet hermits

 

[armlocker]

Ya i was just reading and tryin to decide what to get for cleanup. I also found some really cool looking bristle worms and a crab tonite all coming from the same rock!! This saltwater stuff is awesome lol. :happy: