Can i cycle with only testing ammonia and nitrate

[Darrel24]

I have a 21 gallin all in one tank i want to cycle it immedietly but buying 3 test kits rn is out of my budget so im thinking of buying the ammonia and nitrate test kits first not buying the nitrite one ofc ill buy the magnesium and other test kits later when i have coral but its a question for cycling is it ok?

 

[Nano_Man]

Yes
Don't worry about nitrite

 

[Tahoe61]

Yes.

 

[Euphyllia97]

If you are on a budget skip on the ammonia test kit. Just buy nitrate and replace the ammonia kit with patience. There is no specific value that you need to dose ammonia to.

Test nitrates. Throw in a shrimp and let it decay. Wait 3 weeks. Test for nitrates and whenever you see an increase in nitrates, wait 2 more weeks. Tank is ready for the first fish. Just take it slow from there and you will never have to touch an ammonia test kit.

Nitrite is just a step inbetween and is non-toxic at the relevant amounts in saltwater.

 

[noworlater]

Honestly you dont need to test. Just do a 3 day shrimp method, dr tim quick start. Let it cycle for 3 weeks get clown fish, 4th week turn on light 4hrs after a month your tank is cycled thats how i did it with my first reed tank 6 months later look at it now. I still dont test for anything lol. Im a new reefer btw! Heres a pic n video!

 

[Dom]

Drop in a piece of live rock from an established tank.

Done.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

If I was cycling with bottled bacteria and ammonia, I would personally only rely on seeing ammonia decline. Ignore nitrite and nitrate will be misleading from nitrite interference.

I also recommend against ever buying a magnesium kit, and if you use a balanced calcium and alk supplement, you may not need calcium either,