Seting up a 55 gallon tank need some help and im a newbie

[mike1048184]

hello there,
so i just set up this tank it has bio-balls sump and a skimmer in the sump
so i got some live sand and i need to now if the cycle has started or is done the tank has been up with sand in it for about 4 days now and started testing it for the last two the first day has ph 8.3 and nitrite .05 nitrate 0 ammonia.25 so i tested it today and the same except for the nitrite.1 and ammonia was .5

 

[eric b 125]

yes, the cycle has started. first you will see a rise in ammonia. the beneficial bacteria in the tank will process this ammonia into nitrite, then nitrate. when ammonia and trites are at 0, then you do a good ole water change to get rid of trates.

 

[mike1048184]

cool thanks you for the help

 

[gill again68]

Do you have or plan to have live rock in your display? If so you could get another cycle when you add the rock.

 

[ali19]

Originally Posted by Gill again68
http:///forum/post/3205324
Do you have or plan to have live rock in your display? If so you could get another cycle when you add the rock.
+1 Die off on the rock could cause an ammonia spike.