Fishless Cycle - Nitrites stuck 1+ for 2.5 Weeks

[chasetexas]

New 70 gallon eshopps Mariner tank with sump.

Setup on 4/10

My nitrites have been stuck 1+ for about 3 weeks. What is stalling it? Should I do 25% water change (this is what ChatGPT said but I figured I’d check with real experts first )

Ammonia has already spiked and been basically 0 the last 3 weeks.

Tank has been running almost 6 weeks. Can I add the clean up crew at least?

Lights have been off the whole time so really no algae to speak of.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

What is the nitrate level? What test kits are you using? What process did you use to start the cycle? Need a little more info you, thanks.

 

[exnisstech]

As mentioned what are nitrates? I no longer test ammonia or nitrite when cycling. Nothing wrong with testing them I just figure if I'm seeing nitrates I must be processing ammonia.

 

[Tahoe61]

You're most likely cycled.

Challenge the system with an Ammonium bolus.

But it would be helpful to know how you initially cycled the system.

 

[reely989]

I mean how married are you to the idea of a fishless cycle? I’d put some hardy fish in there and some bottled bacteria and never look back. You’re most likely cycled as it is

 

[chasetexas]

What is the nitrate level? What test kits are you using? What process did you use to start the cycle? Need a little more info you, thanks.

Nitrates are between 20-50 (closer to 50 I’d say). Using a Red Sea test kit.

Have 2 lbs of live rock in sump and 40 lbs in display. Caribsea arag-alive Fiji pink Sand and bio sand from LFS.

Day 1 poured in microbacter StartXLM 500 ml

Also maxspect bio blocks.

Does that help?

Sorry if I sound dumb about this, first saltwater tank

 

[chasetexas]

I mean how married are you to the idea of a fishless cycle? I’d put some hardy fish in there and some bottled bacteria and never look back. You’re most likely cycled as it is

Thought about that. Ammonia is the only thing harmful to fish right? And it’s been 0 for weeks

 

[chasetexas]

You're most likely cycled.

Challenge the system with an Ammonium bolus.

But it would be helpful to know how you initially cycled the system.

I have another 2 oz of Dr. Tim’s ammonia chloride. Could dump that in to spike it and see if it drops back to 0 in a day or 2? If so should be ok right?

 

[Tahoe61]

Yup. If you're not getting a zero less than 48 hrs post dose you should add some bacteria in a bottle. I use Microbactor7 and Ammonium Chloride to cycle. My tanks are cycled right around the 3 week mark.

 

[edsbeaker]

I just wanted to address the CUC part of your question. If there is no algae or diatoms there is no need to add them right now. They would just starve. Once you start getting diatoms and other algae’s then you’ll be good to add them.

 

[chasetexas]

Yup. If you're not getting a zero less than 48 hrs post dose you should add some bacteria in a bottle. I use Microbactor7 and Ammonium Chloride to cycle. My tanks are cycled right around the 3 week mark.

So if it’s back at 0 in 2 days I should be good to add some crew and maybe clowns? Even with 1+ nitrites?

 

[Uncle99]

You have nitrates so your cycled
Do a large water change and add 1-2 fish

 

[chasetexas]

You have nitrates so your cycled
Do a large water change and add 1-2 fish

Is the water change necessary? What’s the point if I’m cycled? Again, I’m a newb

 

[Uncle99]

Is the water change necessary? What’s the point if I’m cycled? Again, I’m a newb

Not must
But a good time to lower nitrates if beyond say 40ppm.

So if nitrates say 50ppm and you do 50% changes it will lower to say 30ppm

A good spot is 5-10ppm nitrate and .1pom phosphate, you need those two both available and stable to feed your system

 

[chasetexas]

I just wanted to address the CUC part of your question. If there is no algae or diatoms there is no need to add them right now. They would just starve. Once you start getting diatoms and other algae’s then you’ll be good to add them.

Good point

 

[chasetexas]

So consensus is in cycles and safe to had some hardy fish? Keep testing every 2-3 days? What’s most important metrics move the fish are in?

And can I turn on my dang lights now!? Been incredibly difficult to keep this thing in the dark!

 

[Tahoe61]

Turn the lights on.

 

[chasetexas]

Geez finally. 7:37pm so they are on their way down

 

[chasetexas]

Turn the lights on.

Can I get some clowns too?

 

[Tahoe61]

Looking good.

Sure you can add clowns. I would proceed with a water change first.