Cycle complete?

[I_Got_Crabs]

65 gal + 20 gal sump. Added presumably "live" rock that I tried to cure in a tub for 6 week about 2 weeks ago and fed some pellets and flakes. Saw a small spike in ammonia to 0.25-0.5. It now appears to have dropped to 0, but there is no trace of nitrite or nitrate. I stupidly added chaeto to the sump a few days back, so this might be why. Currently the glass is covered with copepods and a small hermit crab has been happy in there for the last 24 hrs.

I fed the tank some meaty foods 24 hrs ago and these are the test results (did 2 ammonia tests). Is my tank cycled? If so, when can I add a fish? I have two clowns and a high fin goby waiting in my 13.5 gallon.

 

[IslandLifeReef]

If it was truly live rock that you cured for 6 weeks, then IMO it would be ok to add fish. Just take it slow and only add a couple at a time if they are small. Only 1 at a time if they are big. You don't want to overload your new tank.

 

[NY_Caveman]

If I understand correctly, the rock was live and you cured for six weeks. Then it was in the tank for two weeks. If this is the case, you should be cycled. With live rock a small ammonia spike and no measurable Nitrite reading would not be unusual.

 

[I_Got_Crabs]

If I understand correctly, the rock was live and you cured for six weeks. Then it was in the tank for two weeks. If this is the case, you should be cycled. With live rock a small ammonia spike and no measurable Nitrite reading would not be unusual.

I had the rock in a heated and circulated bin for 6 weeks, adding aquavitro seed bacteria, and a piece of rock from my established 13 gallon system, and some fish flakes on several occassions. The problem is I was away for a few weeks and when I came back I never found an ammonia spike in my tests... So I am not 100% sure it was cured... I did find a live nasarrius snail when removing the "cured" rock... Not sure if this is a good or bad sign, since if there was an ammonia spike as it cured, then the snail would have died, correct?

 

[lapin]

I also believe you are good to go. Go slow and watch the ammonia level for a few days. I always keep a bottle of prime for my QT tanks and it can be a fish saver if ammonia ever becomes a problem.

 

[I_Got_Crabs]

If it was truly live rock that you cured for 6 weeks, then IMO it would be ok to add fish. Just take it slow and only add a couple at a time if they are small. Only 1 at a time if they are big. You don't want to overload your new tank.

Someone on another forum said that I am only cycled to the amount of food I put in... So I put in a pinch of flakes on 4 occassions over the curing process... What this an error to use so little? Does it mean my it wasnt actually cured?

 

[lapin]

Someone on another forum said that I am only cycled to the amount of food I put in... So I put in a pinch of flakes on 4 occassions over the curing process... What this an error to use so little? Does it mean my it wasnt actually cured?

My thinking is that you have bacteria because of what you have done. How much we dont know. Pods die and can be a source of ammonia to feed the bacteria. The rock is cured. This does not mean you can add 5 cubes of food every day and not have an ammonia spike. Put your 3 fish in and dont over feed. Test your ammonia every day. It is 70 gallons of water volume so I do not think you will have a problem.
If you do I will buy you 3 new fish

 

[I_Got_Crabs]

My thinking is that you have bacteria because of what you have done. How much we dont know. Pods die and can be a source of ammonia to feed the bacteria. The rock is cured. This does not mean you can add 5 cubes of food every day and not have an ammonia spike. Put your 3 fish in and dont over feed. Test your ammonia every day. It is 70 gallons of water volume so I do not think you will have a problem.
If you do I will buy you 3 new fish

Thanks for the help. I got my first tank from a friend and it was already established. So this part is all new to me...

 

[hdsoftail1065]

I agree with everyone above, it sounds like your cycled, enjoy!

 

[I_Got_Crabs]

If you do I will buy you 3 new fish

Did I say 2 clowns anda goby? I meant 3 gem tangs...

 

[lapin]

dont forget the red haddoni