3 gallon PICO tank parameters

[mrjohnreed]

I am in the process of starting a 3 gallon Office Pico tank. I am going through the cycle process for the past 2 weeks. I just checked the ammonia level in the tank and its just not making sense to me on the reading. Either the ammonia levels are off the charts or the kit is possibly no good but it hasnt expired as of yet. I have attached a picture for reference. Any and all input is greatly appreciated. Thank you all.

 

[JTP424]

How did you start the cycle? Live Rock? Bottle Bac? Have Nitrates started showing?

 

[mrjohnreed]

I began the cycle as I did with my other 2 tanks with Dr. Tim's One and Only. I have about 2-2.5lbs of Liferock in the tank. Using a deep sand bed from CaribSea Bahama Oolite. The PH is 8.3.
I attached pictures of both my Nitrite test results and the Nitrate test results.

 

[JTP424]

Mk, looks like you have some nitrates, according to the API tests.
I'd recommend getting some different testers to be safe and go from there.

 

[JTP424]

I recommend Hanna brand, but there are plenty of others out there more accurate than API, RedSea, Salifert etc.

 

[mrjohnreed]

Mk, looks like you have some nitrates, according to the API tests.
I'd recommend getting some different testers to be safe and go from there.

Yeah I usually use Salifert but the LFS had API. Ill get my testers from home and check it out. It kind of looks like since I possibly already have nitrates that my other reading is are not correct. Thanks for the help.

 

[Tahoe61]

CarbiSea Liverock is still dry rock. I have used it and it doesn't quicken the cycle.
You could add a bacteria in a bottle product, or actual live wet rock.
In two weeks time those test results aren't unusual ime.

 

[mrjohnreed]

CarbiSea Liverock is still dry rock. I have used it and it doesn't quicken the cycle.
You could add a bacteria in a bottle product, or actual live wet rock.
In two weeks time those test results aren't unusual ime.

This is my first time using the CaribSea rock. I am fine with the cycle taking as long as it needs to. It seems to be that my API test was wrong. I tested it again today and the results are different. I used a Salifert test kit from home and it is showing the ammonia level at 1.0. So the cycle looks like it is steady on its way. Ill check on Monday to see if it has continued to drop.