Ammonia Rose to 0.25 on Day 18 of the Cycle

[ChandlerTingle]

My ammonia has risen to 0.25 after being 0 since Day 13, Nitrite has gone down to 2.0 from 5.0, Nitrate is 40 ppm. Am I doing something wrong or is this suppose to happen?

 

[SchrutesReefs]

The most helpful ones on here are going to want to know what you used to seed your tank, what kind of rock you started with (dry/live), sand, etc.

 

[ChandlerTingle]

The most helpful ones on here are going to want to know what you used to seed your tank, what kind of rock you started with (dry/live), sand, etc.

I used Caribsea Fiji Pink Live sand, no live rock or dry. There’s a PVC Pipe in it

 

[ChandlerTingle]

Here’s my Tank

 

[SchrutesReefs]

What kind of filter media do you have? Something needs to harbor the bacteria

 

[ChandlerTingle]

What kind of filter media do you have? Something needs to harbor the bacteria

Aqueon HOB Filter, don’t know exactly because it came with the tank

 

[SchrutesReefs]

Did you add bottled bacteria or something to the water column? As far as the water parameters go, I’m going to ket the experts chime in. But as far as filtration, I do not know how the reefers with hob filters go about filtration, I have only done AIO or a sump. But I imagine it would be best if you could get a very well known piece of live rock to seed your tank from well trusted source like a friend or LFS.

 

[ChandlerTingle]

Yes I added API QuickStart and Dr Tim’s Ammonia Chloride. Is it too late to get Live Rock and add it to the Tank?

 

[SchrutesReefs]

i think if it is a rock from a trusted source free of pests, go for it. Your tank NEEDS the rock to establish itself. Unless this is a QT tank, which I’m guessing from the sand, it is not. The bacteria you added will settle in the sanbed, but I honestly don’t know if it’s going to do any good in there.