how big of a spike?

cajonez

cajonez

Member
When waiting for my first cycle, what kind of spikes am I looking for? I have a 55g with 40lbs of live sand that ran for 2 weeks. I added 45 lbs of live rock, 20 lbs of base rock and it has been running for another 2 weeks. My ammonia has topped out at 1, nitrItes at 5, nitrAtes at 10. My nitrAtes are currently at 5, everything else is back to 0. These don't seem like very big spikes to me. Could this be all that I get or am I still waiting for something more dramatic?
 
brokendeck

brokendeck

Active Member
Your cycle spikes should show nitrites and ammonia is what you are looking for, which you already show on your test results. When your tank has finshed its cycle your ammonia and nitrites will read 0. Thats when you will know your cycle is over, but dont add a fish to your tank the first day it shows 0 readings. Wait another few days and check it again and make sure your test readings are the same. Then you will be ready for some fish. Get a hardy fish for your first fish.
 
cajonez

cajonez

Member
I am probably going to wait another 2 weeks before I get any fish even if my nitrates get down to 0 in the next few days. Was just wondering if that little variance could have been "the spike". Thanks for the response.
 
brokendeck

brokendeck

Active Member
yea it could easily be the spike. All cycles are different. Some are little spikes and some are outrageous. Nothing to worry about.
 
locoyo386

locoyo386

Member
Originally Posted by cajonez
http:///forum/post/3069502
When waiting for my first cycle, what kind of spikes am I looking for? I have a 55g with 40lbs of live sand that ran for 2 weeks. I added 45 lbs of live rock, 20 lbs of base rock and it has been running for another 2 weeks. My ammonia has topped out at 1, nitrItes at 5, nitrAtes at 10. My nitrAtes are currently at 5, everything else is back to 0. These don't seem like very big spikes to me. Could this be all that I get or am I still waiting for something more dramatic?
Hi there,
It seems to me that you used the live sand and live rock to cycle your tank. This would explain the small level of ammonia. The reason your tank cycled was because of the living things that died while there was no nutirtion. This created ammonia in your tank, thus the cycle. Since you have developed nitrifying bacteria already, you should be ok in adding fish. Do not add to many or big bioload fish, I am guessing that you might have a small colony of bacteria. If you add to many fish or a big fish you might see ammonia again.
 
locoyo386

locoyo386

Member
Originally Posted by cajonez
http:///forum/post/3069512
I am probably going to wait another 2 weeks before I get any fish even if my nitrates get down to 0 in the next few days. Was just wondering if that little variance could have been "the spike". Thanks for the response.
Your nitrates will not go back to zero unless you remove them (water changes). Also note that if you let your tank sit longer without a source of ammonia your bacteria can start to die and yout cycle will become unstable.
 
neupane00

neupane00

Member
yeah.. either feed the tank with pure ammonia or dead shrimp. dont let the tank sit for long without source of ammonia. nitrate wont go to 0 unless water change or source out nitrate with some nitrate absorbing media or build a refugium with microalgae. or any marine plant.
 
cajonez

cajonez

Member
I was not aware that I could wait too long. I will monitor it for a couple more days and then maybe I will go start a CUC. Would just some inverts be OK to start with or do I really need a fish?
 
locoyo386

locoyo386

Member
Originally Posted by cajonez
http:///forum/post/3070036
I was not aware that I could wait too long. I will monitor it for a couple more days and then maybe I will go start a CUC. Would just some inverts be OK to start with or do I really need a fish?
Hi there,
Not sure what fish you had in mind to start off with, but I do not see why you have to hold off on a fish. Your ammonia is undetectable and so is nitrites, correct?
 
cajonez

cajonez

Member
Yes, ammonia and nitrites have been at 0 for a couple days. I think I will do a 10% water change tonight and if everything is still good tomorrow, go look at some fish. I actually haven't thought of a stock list yet. I should probably spend some time and do that. Feel free to make some suggestions... :)
 
brokendeck

brokendeck

Active Member
Originally Posted by cajonez
http:///forum/post/3070151
Yes, ammonia and nitrites have been at 0 for a couple days. I think I will do a 10% water change tonight and if everything is still good tomorrow, go look at some fish. I actually haven't thought of a stock list yet. I should probably spend some time and do that. Feel free to make some suggestions... :)
Well when you posted this thread yesterday you said your nitrites were showing 5.v If your ammonia and nitrites are 0, I would go ahead and get a CUC tomorrow if possbile.
 
cajonez

cajonez

Member
Water looked good this morning so I picked up a small crew. I got 3 tiny hermits (2 blue 1 red), 3 assaria (sp) snails and a lawnmower. Should I keep my lights on for a couple extra hours to make sure they have enough to eat or just supplement with algea sheets if I have to?
 
brokendeck

brokendeck

Active Member
Hermits and Snails are Scavengers, so they will find food in your tank. Lawnmower im not sure about. I would have gotten a different fish to start my tank out. You might half to put algae sheets in there for him to have something to eat.
 
arvins

arvins

Member
I agree with broken, I believe lawnmowers need more established tanks then yours. Might see if the fish store will trade him out, maybe a little clown??
 
cajonez

cajonez

Member
Doh! I might have to make another trip to the store. I can see some "fuzz" on the rocks, but not like any big patches of hair algea or anything, no. I did buy some algea sheets while I was there, just incase...
 
brokendeck

brokendeck

Active Member
You should be able to feed him algae sheets, but I would take him back and maybe get a clown for your first fish. You also might wanna think about a stock list, bc certain fish need to be put in different orders depending on what you want to get.
 
cajonez

cajonez

Member
I don't think I could get the lawnmower out without taking out all of my LR. As soon as I go by the tank be bolts into the rocks. I put a chunk of algea sheet in the tank, hopefully he will eat that for the time being. I should have some time tomorrow at work to start on a task list. Does anyone happen to have the link to the fish chart? I've seen the coral chart, but haven't come across the one for fish yet. Again, thanks for the help!
 
T

tiny

Guest
Sorry for being off topic. I noticed you're from St.Louis. Have you ever been to Marine Solutions?
 
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