cycle: is it finished?

jacksdad

jacksdad

Member
I am 2 weeks into the cycle, no real spike in NH3, but I have a diatom bloom. I actually saw it happen overan hour peiod. Is the cycle finished? Should I be thinking of a clean up crew?
Tank specs:
temp: 80.4
PH: 8.0
SG: 1.024
NH3: 0
NO2: 0
No3: 10.0
TIA,
Bob
 
dvs

dvs

Member
Thats weird. Are you setting up the 12 or 24? I set mine up yesterday and my NH3 level, as of right now, is at about 3.0. Did you use anything to help start the cycle, like a piece of shrimp? What about water? Did you use R/O?
 
jacksdad

jacksdad

Member
It's a 24 and I have been feeding the invisable fish since day 1. No shrimp. I am seriously considering getting my cleanup crew, but don't want to act too soon
AGH!
 
nm reef

nm reef

Active Member
Its possible to see a small and quick cycle if there was very little ammonia initially....but with such a minor cycle you may have another spike in ammonia and another cycle when livestock is introduced. Sort of a mini cycle now but not completely cycled if you know what I mean.
I'd at least consider livestock additions very slowly and closely monitor your water for any signs of another cycle or spike in ammonia. :thinking:
 
jacksdad

jacksdad

Member
Yes I am using RO water. SG was a little high when i put in my live rock (1.027), but I brought that down quickly, in a day or two. Should I or shouldn't I? Add the cleaners?
 
dvs

dvs

Member
IMO, I would wait. NMreef is more than likely right. You could be seeing a mini-cycle and could possibly get another later on. If you do decide you cant wait any longer, which I discourage, I would add one at a time. And def. keep an eye on your levels.
HTH
Jen
 
22caddy

22caddy

Member
Actually if you used live rock that would cycle the tank if it was cured. That could be why you never really saw a cycle. Still be very careful adding livestock.
 
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