Cycling New Tank

[blane1983]

First off thanks for everyone's help so far. Ive asked a few questions and people are quick to respond. Thanks
Now for my next question. I have had my tank up and running for about a week now. I have tested the water twice with the following results:
8/10/09 Ammonia 0, Nitrite 1, Nitrate 4, Ph 8.0, Salinity 1.024, Temp 78
8/13/09 Ammonia 0, Nitrite 1, Nitrate 4, Ph 8.3, Salinity 1.025, Temp 80

When will the ammonia spike happen? I am really confused on the water parameters ( I know what the levels should be) but I want to understand the process and what causes these levels. I am wanting to take my time to make sure I fully understand it all prior to purchasing any fish or corals. I just need some guidance, any will help. Thanks for your time

[Gseclipse02]

what kind of lights?

[blane1983]

they are the factory ones on the biocube 29 gallon. 2 CFL's (36w 10,000k and 36w actinic). I am not planning on upgrading the lights until later. I have 50lbs live rock and 40lbs live sand in tank now

[dmweise]

You can help the tank cycle by tossing a table shrimp in there. Once it starts to decay it will kick off the cycling. The nitrate you have is most likely a result of die off from the rocks.

[recoiljpr]

Were all of your rocks base (Ie dry and dead) or were any of your rocks live? Also, when you say live sand is it that stuff you buy in the bag, or was it from another tank?

As DM said, throw a dead shrimp in there and that will kick off your cycle full swing. You will see ammonia spike and as it stars to decline, nitrite will spike and as nitrite starts to decline, your nitrate will then start to spike. Once that happens, your tank will have finally started maturing.

I strongly reccomend finding people who live around you and see if you can get a cup or so of their sand, the more the merrier. Also, most LFS will sell you a lb of sand from their tanks pretty cheaply. I'd try to get as many as you can. That will ensure your sandbed is nice and seeded with a lof of life.

The sand you get in the bag is very questionable as to what it contains other then some bacteria.

[blane1983]

Ok I am getting a better understanding now. My sand is from lfs (texas tropicals), the rocks were once in an established tank but were out of water for 2 weeks (my fault). Before I put the rocks in my tank I put them in a tub with a ph and ran that for a week with daily water changes. Then I put them in my tank. I do water changes on the tank every two days. I also put a small rock in the from an established tank ( i crushed it up and sprinkled it on my rocks) What are your opinions on all of this?

[Bill S]

Were all of your rocks base (Ie dry and dead) or were any of your rocks live? Also, when you say live sand is it that stuff you buy in the bag, or was it from another tank?

As DM said, throw a dead shrimp in there and that will kick off your cycle full swing. You will see ammonia spike and as it stars to decline, nitrite will spike and as nitrite starts to decline, your nitrate will then start to spike. Once that happens, your tank will have finally started maturing.

I strongly reccomend finding people who live around you and see if you can get a cup or so of their sand, the more the merrier. Also, most LFS will sell you a lb of sand from their tanks pretty cheaply. I'd try to get as many as you can. That will ensure your sandbed is nice and seeded with a lof of life.

The sand you get in the bag is very questionable as to what it contains other then some bacteria.

Good advice. Got a laugh out of what apears on the surfact to be an oxymoronic statement: "finally started maturing".

Just remember Rule #1: "BAD things happen to those that are not patient in this hobby". Rule#2: "Only money can cure Rule #1".

[recoiljpr]

Ok I am getting a better understanding now. My sand is from lfs (texas tropicals), the rocks were once in an established tank but were out of water for 2 weeks (my fault). Before I put the rocks in my tank I put them in a tub with a ph and ran that for a week with daily water changes. Then I put them in my tank. I do water changes on the tank every two days. I also put a small rock in the from an established tank ( i crushed it up and sprinkled it on my rocks) What are your opinions on all of this?

IMO at 2 weeks, those are dead rocks. There would still be decaying matter on it, but very little if anything would have survived. Bacteria int he core may have (depends if it was in the blazing sun, etc). But it's safer to consider it dead.

Your water changes every 2 days are a little much IMO (unless its a small amount). I would stick to 10% change once a week for now untill you see the ammonia start to spike high. Then, do a 30% water change and continue monitoring. If it's still high, do another 30% 2 days later. Since you don't have fish, etc in there I would try to keep some of the ammonia in there so your bacteria can really start to flourish.

Crushing the LR and putting on your base rock is a good idea for seeding as the benefitial bacteria will begin colonizing the base rock.

[blane1983]

Ok makes me feel better to know I'm getting this right. I will slow the water change and continue to monitor. One more thing, how long does the "cycle" normally take if I add a dead shrimp? And was adding the dead rock a mistake? Thanks once again for all of your help it is greatly appreciated.

[Big_Pun]

your good just gotta wait, you can get some sand from me, now that you know where i live, i only do 3-5 gallons a week in water changes, maybe a dirty sponge from my filter those always have lots of goodies in them