Cycling Help

[ZachariahBeanz]

I’ve been cycling my tank for around a week, and I have a question. I added ammonium chloride about 21 hours ago, and I measured my parameters twice today. At 12:00, the ammonia was around 1-1.5ppm, and the nitrite was 1ppm. I just measured again, about six hours later and my ammonia is around 0.2ppm, and nitrites are around 1 still. Could I do a large water change (50%) and add fish tomorrow?

 

[PharmrJohn]

I would wait to add fish. I am planning on a 90 to 120G tank. When I cycle it, fish are not going to be part of the equation for 2 months. When Ammonia is zero. You CAN cycle with fish, and they will most likely live, but they will be uncomfortable. For me it's important to establish a fully cycled tank before adding livestock, and then to do that slowly.

With this hobby, it's important NOT to rush things. Patience is your best friend.

 

[FUNGI]

I cycled my 120G for almost 2 months..just water, sand and LR...patience......

 

[Uncle99]

If a week ago, you added rock, sand, saltwater, flow and a bacteria source, then you are ready for your first fish

Water change? Sure, your nitrate number appears very low, but I’d do that.

 

[ZachariahBeanz]

I cycled my 120G for almost 2 months..just water, sand and LR...patience......

what are the benefits of cycling that long? I have live sand and dry rock. My tank is 20 gallons btw

 

[Uncle99]

what are the benefits of cycling that long? I have live sand and dry rock. My tank is 20 gallons btw

Live sand and rock, would be instantly cycled for fish additions, especially after water change.

A week seals the deal for sure.

 

[ZachariahBeanz]

Live sand and rock, would be instantly cycled for fish additions, especially after water change.

A week seals the deal for sure.

Yeah, I’m only looking for a pair of clowns, so I don’t think that will increase the bioload too much?

 

[FUNGI]

what are the benefits of cycling that long? I have live sand and dry rock. My tank is 20 gallons btw

For me, I travel for work, so I didnt want to bother testing etc etc etc.....
Put it all together, put a frozen shrimp in there for 4 days, took it out and walked away. Came back and tested for nitrates.....cycled.....added corals and fish

 

[Uncle99]

Yeah, I’m only looking for a pair of clowns, so I don’t think that will increase the bioload too much?

I think that’s perfect!
Enjoy your new friends….

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I’m not seeing any reason to do a water change.

 

[ZachariahBeanz]

I’m not seeing any reason to do a water change.

Wouldn’t you want to, to get rid of the nitrates, and nitrites?

 

[ZachariahBeanz]

For me, I travel for work, so I didnt want to bother testing etc etc etc.....
Put it all together, put a frozen shrimp in there for 4 days, took it out and walked away. Came back and tested for nitrates.....cycled.....added corals and fish

Sorry, to clear it up, do you think my tank is ready?

 

[FUNGI]

you dont mention Nitrates....I would wait....its just another day or so......BUT, clowns are damsels so they shouldnt have any issues.....

 

[ZachariahBeanz]

you dont mention Nitrates....I would wait....its just another day or so......BUT, clowns are damsels so they shouldnt have any issues.....

Oh sorry, my nitrates seemed be around 20

 

[FUNGI]

yeah....should be well safe for your clowns

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Wouldn’t you want to, to get rid of the nitrates, and nitrites?

I don’t think you have much evidence of high nitrate (the nitrite interferes with testing nitrate) and the nitrite is no concern at that level.

 

[PotatoPig]

Oh sorry, my nitrates seemed be around 20

Nitrates at that level won’t hurt your fish, they’re not as big an issue in saltwater as they are in freshwater.

If you want to grow soft corals, or even some LPS, you’ll want to keep them about that high. There’s folks here who run successful reef tanks with nitrates a fair bit higher still.

 

[ZachariahBeanz]

yeah....should be well safe for your clowns

I think that’s perfect!
Enjoy your new friends….

So, there were shipping problems with the day I wanted the fish to come. I paid an extra $20 for the shipping to come the day I wanted. The amazing people at Cultivated Reef said I could pick an extra fish out of a couple options for $20! I ended up choosing an Orchid Dottyback. This should be fine, right?

 

[Uncle99]

I have that fish but in a 180g.
They have some attitude so 20g going to be tight.
For sure need some rock in which it can stay.
Better to try now before the clowns stake their spilt.