how do you know when cycle is over?

[calvindo]

folks.
i'm going on my second week of cycling. Did not do the dead shrimp thing... i'd filled up my 125g tank all cured lr and ls. my water perameter hasnt really changed much since the first week.
by the way, i am cycling my tank with a single fish, which hitched hiked when i purchased the lr. How can someone tell if cycling period is over? Also, is it wise to have skimmer running 24/7 at this time?
Ammonia = 0
Nitrate = 5
Nitrite = 0
PH = 8.4

 

[reefnut]

I would give it 4-6 weeks and go from there. It's good that the ammonia and nitrites are not spiking in this case but you still need to move slow. I wouldn't run the skimmer at all unless it gets to the point your trying to keep the levels down for the tang. Otherwise just let it do its thing.

 

[calvindo]

Originally posted by Spearfish
This is the same guy who is cycling his tank with a powder blue nemo fish.
That "he claims" hitched a ride on his live rock.
Shame on you for subjecting that poor nemo to high levels of nutrious oxided residue!
Someone call Arrone Boy!

ohh no... not this clown again! do we need to go through this again??? what is your problem?????

 

[calvindo]

Originally posted by ReefNut
I wouldn't run the skimmer at all unless it gets to the point your trying to keep the levels down for the tang. Otherwise just let it do its thing. [/B]
i'm afraid to turn of the skimmer and have nitrites and ammonia spike up. maybe its the skimmer thats keeping the levels down? if so, i really dont want to take the risk of turning it off.

 

[reefnut]

Just keep in mind the cycle will be slow and when you start to stock the tank you will need to go very slowly to prevent an ongoing or second cycle.

 

[calvindo]

thanks reefnut. i've been testing my water, every other day to monitor this very closely. there really hasnt been any spike in levels, just notice it is coming down slowly. i really hope it stays down. crossing my fingers....

 

[scottnj]

Cal,
How often have you been doing tests? I thought you had shown some nitrite in the tank about a week ago with no traits. If your now showing traits and no trites it sounds like your live rock is doing what its supposed to do and you have the bacteria in the tank now.
I agree with Reef nut though, wouldnt add anything else for a week or two. Also I wouldn't add any until your sure the ick on the tang is cleared up. So maybe ever 2-3 weeks for good measure.
-Scott

 

[calvindo]

Scott, your correct... i keep a record of my water levels. nitrite has gone down to "0" and nitrate went up to 10 three days ago and now its back down to 5.
regarding my tang. she's looking better by the day... i dont really see anymore white spots on her. But her body looks kinda bumpy or rough... i'm not sure if she's recovering or this is just a seond stage of the desease. she still swim around and eats, so thats a good thing. how would i know the ick is gone for good? was planning to add kick ick into the tank, but found out that it can hurt my lr and ls. So i'm doing what i can to keep my tang alive and cycle my tank.

 

[trigger78]

UV Sterilizers have been known to treat Ich effectively. It may take a week or two but it's the safest being that there are no chemicals used. He sounds tough so he'll make it.