strange readings

[saltydad]

First, some information about my tank:
90 gallon UniQuarium, sand, live rock in main tank, coral rubble in back chambers.
This is essentially a new aquarium, and I'm new to the hobby.
I bought and added the live rock (about 85 pounds) yesterday. When I checked the parameters this evening, this is what I found:
ammonia --0
nitrite--0.25
nitrate--somewhere between 5 and 10--I have a hard time telling the difference on the color chart
temp--79 degrees F
salinity--1.021
I'm really very confused--I was expecting the ammonia to spike first, then the nitrite followed by the nitrate. I tested them all again just to make sure.
Does anyone have a clue what's going on here and what I can do about it?

 

[rcoultas]

looks like you are in the middle of the cycle - ammonia at zero is good - wait for nitrites to go to zero - then you need to monitor the nitrates - do water change as needed to lower levels and you're on your way

 

[saltydad]

Thanks rcoultas--but is it really possible to be in the middle of a cycle after only 24 hours?

 

[sepulatian]

Originally Posted by saltydad
Thanks rcoultas--but is it really possible to be in the middle of a cycle after only 24 hours?
Yes it is. It means that there was some die off from the rock but the rest of the rock and sand had enough bacteria to convert the ammonia to nitrite. I set up a qt with sponge filters that were a year old. The tank fully cycled in 3 days. It is entirely possible

 

[saltydad]

That would be great, but I won't get my hopes up just yet. I'll test the water and post the results again tomorrow. Thanks very much.

 

[sepulatian]

Originally Posted by saltydad
That would be great, but I won't get my hopes up just yet. I'll test the water and post the results again tomorrow. Thanks very much.
Yes, keep testing the water. Do not add anything live until the ammonia and nitrite test at a steady zero for a week streight.

 

[saltydad]

Checked the water again today and found the same readings.

 

[derekc]

I did my tank which is a 55 gall. I put the rock in and the mixed water and started up the filters let it cycle for 24 hours...checked it and everything was perfect..i added fish that same day and it is still perfect nothing added AND ITS GOING STRONG...

 

[saltydad]

Readings are the same today as the previous 2 days. I'll keep checking and posting.
A few more questions: How much of a water change do I do at the end of the cycle before adding fish or whatever? And how do you keep the outside of the aquarium clean?
Thanks to any and all for their help!

 

[saltydad]

Today, the ammonia and nitrate levels are the same, but the nitrite has jumped from 0.25 to 1.0!
Does anyone have any answers to my previous questions about end of cycling water changes and cleaning acrylic?
Also, what's the optimal salinity? Currently, mine is at 1.021.
Thanks to all!

 

[saltydad]

Great news, I think! Today, the ammonia and nitrite are at zero!
So what's next? Wait a few days, and then test again to be sure?
Get ready for a water change? How much? Add a clean up crew? Can this include starfish?
I also have a lot a diatoms, suddenly, too.
Any and all input is welcome!

 

[saltydad]

Wow! No responses for a week!
I guess I'll have to go somewhere else for information.

 

[meleerock]

how did it turn out? I would try to get your salt level up to around 1.024. If you havnt already you should do a 20% water change to replace some elements in the water and add a small clean up crew. It sounds like your getting the hang of it. Keep it up.