Interpreting Test Results

[Luvthekeys]

I have been cycling a tank and I am trying to figure out the tests results of the last four days. They have been:


Ammonia
7/9 >.025
7/10 .025
7/11 <.025
7/12 <.025

Nitrites
7/9 .025
7/10 <.50
7/11 <.50
7/12 -0-

Nitrates
7/9 -0-
7/10 -0-
7/11<5ppm
7/12 10ppm

PH all days was 8.0. test done in the morning around 9am

​

I tested all parameters twice to be sure of the results. My questions are did I just go through a minicycle? Should I do a partial water change? What do I do from here?

Just as an aside my calcium and DKH are both high at this time if that has any effect on the above. KH is 11 and calcium is over 520. Made a mistake trying to raise calcium level. I know, I know stop messing around. I am trying.

Water is clear and some algae growth has started along with a light dusting of diatoms.

Most of the macro algae that was on the live rocks has died off. I am not sure if from too much light(75 LED watts daylight for seven hours) or from water quality as tank has been going through cycling.

I am not trying to rush this I just want to get it right if I can.

Sorry about the formatting but I can not seem to add tabs that stick or a way to add a chart.

Thanks

.

 

[bang guy]

What are you using as your source of ammonia for the cycle?

 

[Luvthekeys]

Added some raw shrimp over a week ago plus the die off from the macro algae and live rock. I am guessing not enough.

 

[bang guy]

It may have been enough. Now that most of that ammonia is gone try something more steady like ghost feeding. Feed the amount of fish food that you plan to feed your first fish. If ammonia doesn't start to climb after a week of that then the tank has a good cycle.

 

[Luvthekeys]

Thanks should I change the filter floss that I started the tank out on at this time or leave it alone. It is not very dirty and I worry I might cause another cycle if I changed it out now.

 

[geridoc]

Thanks should I change the filter floss that I started the tank out on at this time or leave it alone. It is not very dirty and I worry I might cause another cycle if I changed it out now.

I have never used filter floss in a marine tank, but whatever your filtration medium is, never remove all of it. Since you are still cycling, I would not remove any of it until the tank is cycled and the floss begins to accumulate dirt. Then change a portion with each water change.