Day 2 Dr. Tims Fishless Cycle

Drewsky

New Member
View Badges
Joined
Sep 23, 2025
Messages
6
Reaction score
3
Location
Los Angeles
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Hello to anyone who can help me with my question
Im new to saltwater aquariums I started Dr tims fishless cycle yesterday Monday 9/22 today as of Tuesday 9/23 its my 2nd day and tested PH Ammonia Nitrite and Nitrate. My results
PH-7.8
AMMONIA - 2 PPM
NITRATE - 0 PPM
NITRITE -0 PPM

I believe its ok right maybe need more time for ammonia to conconvert ?
Tomorrow would be my third day and im suppose to add ammonia drops. Would i have to ?

Screenshot_20250922_191430_Chrome.jpg
 

edsbeaker

Grandma Has A Reef Obsession
View Badges
Joined
Dec 11, 2013
Messages
3,588
Reaction score
14,191
Location
Westfield, Indiana
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Hello and welcome!

If you have 2 ppm of ammonia, you do not have to keep adding more. Let the process run its course. You are looking for your ammonia to drop to 0 and for Nitrate to increase.

Once ammonia is at 0 and you have nitrates, you are cycled. If you want to be sure, you can test by adding 2 more ppm of ammonia, and if that goes to 0 within 24 hours you know you are good to start adding livestock.

Patience is key. It could take anywhere from a week to 4 weeks to complete the cycle, so just wait it out.

Good luck!!!
 
OP
OP
D

Drewsky

New Member
View Badges
Joined
Sep 23, 2025
Messages
6
Reaction score
3
Location
Los Angeles
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Hello and welcome!

If you have 2 ppm of ammonia, you do not have to keep adding more. Let the process run its course. You are looking for your ammonia to drop to 0 and for Nitrate to increase.

Once ammonia is at 0 and you have nitrates, you are cycled. If you want to be sure, you can test by adding 2 more ppm of ammonia, and if that goes to 0 within 24 hours you know you are good to start adding livestock.

Patience is key. It could take anywhere from a week to 4 weeks to complete the cycle, so just wait it out.

Good luck!!!
Awesome thank you so much for your help.
Indeed im definitely being patient not trying to rush this at all as it is my 1st saltwater tank.
 

TOP 10 Trending Threads

WHAT AMOUNT OF LIVE ROCK AND SAND SHOULD BE PRIORITIZED FOR OPTIMAL BIODIVERSITY/FILTRATION?

  • 100% live rock + bagged sand

    Votes: 34 26.4%
  • 100% dry rock + 100% live sand

    Votes: 45 34.9%
  • 50/50 live/dry rock, 50/50 live/bagged sand

    Votes: 29 22.5%
  • 75% live rock, 25% live sand

    Votes: 11 8.5%
  • 25% live rock, 75% live sand

    Votes: 10 7.8%
Back
Top