Question on cycling saltwater tank and odd readings

duanen

duanen

Member
I have a 36 gallon saltwater tank which I set up with 4 damsels. After 2 weeks, 3 of the 4 were dead. My readings were high so I did 25% water change and took readings again after a day. PH 8.2, AMM 4.0, Nitrite 0, and Nitrate 40PPM. Currently running a Fluval 206 on tank. Did another 25% water change to bring levels down but the last damsel died 3 days later. Noticed a spot on him that looked like more than Ick as it looked like an open wound so I'm thinking maybe a parasite from tap water? I treated it before use but I am now changing out water using R/O water, tank even looks clearer. My question would be why I would have ammonia and nitrate readings but nothing on nitrites? I have been trying to cycle the tank without fish using Nite Out II but I haven't been able to get any reading on the nitrites. Using API saltwater master test kit.
 
spanko

spanko

Active Member
Stop adding things including the Nite Out II and let nature take it's course. Ammonia at 4 is what killed your fish. do read up on cycling methods. Here is a couple I have written.
https://forums.saltwaterfish.com/t/386044/lets-talk-about-cycling
https://forums.saltwaterfish.com/forum/thread/354564/cycling-for-life
 
duanen

duanen

Member
Ok I did the reading but I am still wondering why I'm not getting any nitrite readings if it's the middle of the cycle. I have plenty of ammonia and nitrates, is it possible for the conversion to be that fast that I'm not seeing it?
 
spanko

spanko

Active Member
Go back and check your testing procedure. The test for nitrites must be followed exactly and make sure you are shaking the reagent bottles well before you use them.
 
duanen

duanen

Member
Checked and double checked, pretty basic intructions for this test. Fill vial to line and add 5 drops of reagent and invert vial. I've tested it back to back and still have the same reading.
 
jaodissa

jaodissa

Member
Nite Out II removes nitrate.. maybe thats why your not getting a reading. If it were my tank I would sit back and let things happen. Test every other day if you want and just wait. It took about 7-10 days for me to see nitrates. :)
 
kiefers

kiefers

Active Member
the cycle goes in this orde.
1) Ammonia, then
2) Nitrites, then
3) Nitrates
Once one is at zero the other takes over until they are all at zero or undectectable.
 
duanen

duanen

Member
I must be missing something. First you have ammonia which then converts to nitrites and then to nitrates, shouldn't the ammonia be the first thing to zero out?
 
kiefers

kiefers

Active Member
yes.
I look at it like this.... Everything puts off waist correct? first you add something in your tank, like a raw shrimp for example. The ammonia is a waist biproduct of the rotting critter. the ammonia then sets out trites as a waist, the the trates as a waist, once there is nothing else to waist off of, zero or undetectable is your results.
It helps me round it to better understand it better.
 
duanen

duanen

Member
My question would be how is it that I can have an ammonia and nitrate reading and have a zero reading on nitrites? It's like it skipped that part of the cycle unless someone has an explanation. I had a 55 gallon saltwater tank about 10 years ago and never experienced anything like this.
 
kiefers

kiefers

Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by DuaneN http:///t/392132/question-on-cycling-saltwater-tank-and-odd-readings#post_3480418
My question would be how is it that I can have an ammonia and nitrate reading and have a zero reading on nitrites? It's like it skipped that part of the cycle unless someone has an explanation. I had a 55 gallon saltwater tank about 10 years ago and never experienced anything like this.
you didn't add the nite out II then tho. Personally......... I would just sit back and let it go for awhile, check the params again on Saturday. do not add anything to the tank, no bacteria or anything.
You may need to a good water exchange to dilute the water and the ammonia and throw in a raw shrimp again for a couple of days. Keep it simple. As 10 years ago, this requires one thing you can not buy on the shelf, patients and nature. JMO
 
duanen

duanen

Member
I did a 25% water change and might try the shrimp, I just thought if you have ammonia and nitrates registering on the water tests then nitrites should be showing up as well.
 
duanen

duanen

Member
The bottle also states it reduces ammonia as well as nitrites toxicity, why am I still getting ammonia readings if that is the case?
 
geridoc

geridoc

Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by DuaneN http:///t/392132/question-on-cycling-saltwater-tank-and-odd-readings#post_3480445
The bottle also states it reduces ammonia as well as nitrites toxicity, why am I still getting ammonia readings if that is the case?
Products that reduce nitrogen compound toxicity do not remove the dangerous compounds, they convert it to a form that binds poorly to the hemoglobin in the fish's blood. Depending on the exact chemistry of the test kit, it may report accurate, or false readings. I think you need to just sit back with a good book and give the tank a chance to deal with the nitrogen wastes already there, then begin to add stock very slowly. The best advice I ever heard came from Steven Spotte over 35 years ago when he told a seminar I was at that "nothing good ever happens fast in a marine tank." After 35 years of marine fishkeeping, I have to agree with him!
 
duanen

duanen

Member
I have no problem waiting, I currently have no fish in the tank so should I just wait it out as is or add food or a shrimp to the tank to assist in the cycle?
 
spanko

spanko

Active Member
Duane you have a reading of 4 from ammonia. You need add nothing. Just let the tank settle down.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top