newbe mistake??? don't know

[SABOB]

I apologize if my post came off wrong,all I was trying to say is to ask questions first,read all the opinions then make a decision.It is confusing with so many opinions that differ and we have all done our share of impulsive buying/stocking.Again,I'm sorry if my tone in the post was harsh.

[sampsonndelila]

Well, since your ammonia must first spike before it's reduced to nitrite then nitrate... An ammonia kit is kind of important.

Now, I WILL grant you that it is possible - although not likely - that your well established rock could keep your tank from cycling. Since you apparently have an algae bloom, I'd guess that you have some of the aging process going on.

Just, please, take it slow...

Slow down dude!!
Bstreep, my tank did not cycle. But I moved a lot of live rock directly from one tank to another and really just ended up doing a 1/3 water change. I did disturb the substrate but as little as possible. I was very surprised but I guess it might have something to do with 400 lbs of live rock? Lol
His tank will cycle, its not done yet, but the fish might live.

[SaltyJim]

I don't understand why it couldn't be possible that this tank will not go through the cycle. If the LR and LS were transferred to the tank without too much time out of water, there is no reason to believe that the bacteria died off. I'd just consider it the same as a massive water change.

The existing LR had been around long enough to have plenty of bacteria living in it, even if some had died off during the move. AND if that happened, then the living bacteria should have been adequate to contain the spike.

What is really, really important is to get a good quality test kit, with measurable results. If you test ANY nitrates, then the tank has cycled, or entered the final stage of the cycle.

[JKLUSAF]

fish may be fine, your tank may be fine and everything may work out perfect. doesn't mean you did it the right way, just means you got lucky. if thats the case awesome
Just make sure you understand the process and why yoiu need to do things a certain way.
I think this is what everyone is trying to say

well you can take a look on saturday, i'm the 2 stop...looking forward to meeting all

Justin

[JKLUSAF]

I apologize if my post came off wrong,all I was trying to say is to ask questions first,read all the opinions then make a decision.It is confusing with so many opinions that differ and we have all done our share of impulsive buying/stocking.Again,I'm sorry if my tone in the post was harsh.

no sweat

Justin

[gjuarez]

Being that live rock was transferred immediately from one tank to the other, its possible that the tank did not cycle. Live sand however should not be stirred too much, especially if you get deep enough into the anoxic zones. Lots of sulfur phosphate gets collected and it could leach back into the system.

[ErikH]

I don't think testing once per week on a new, new, new tank will tell you much of anything. Testing is a much needed part of this hobby, so don't sell yourself short. Test often, and mark your levels down into a log book. At best, your sandbed remained mostly undisturbed, and what spike there was quickly dissolved due to the amount and health of the LR. This is not typical, and most newbies buy everything new. New usually means dead, either whole or partly. With that death, your cycle can and most often will occur.

Honestly, I would have tested more than twice before introducing fish. The most common mistake amongst newbies is stocking. Either lack of information/research, or "just gotta have it" type mentalities are what lead to problems. I don't just mean problems with your levels, I mean the whole gambit of issues that can be brought on by rushing into it. Take it slow, there isn't a fish in a LFS that you can't get tomorrow if someone else buys it today.

Collectively, we are all saying to be patient. Take it to heart, and make our advice worth it! Otherwise you may just be like the countless many that crash, burn, and post their failed attempt in the F/S/T section.

MAKE A LOG BOOK!

[ErikH]

Here check this out. There's some pretty good info covered here...
http://faq.thekrib.com/begin-cycling.html

[JKLUSAF]

Here check this out. There's some pretty good info covered here...
http://faq.thekrib.com/begin-cycling.html

thanks for the info......i've read many similar articles, I'm hoping after this tour is over saturday, more knowledge by the elders will help

Justin

[JKLUSAF]

well ya'll were right, i'd made the mistake of rushing. the lawnmower blenny has passed on....poor guy. as a begginer i'm bound to make the mistakes, i have to learn some how though. there has been a snail that was past from tony thats still kicking(not sur what he is)

Justin