Need some help. Started up my tank and the cycle process at work on September 11th. I started with all dead material, no live sand or live rock. Every thing was going good for the first 10 days. I used Dr. Tim's Ammonium Chloride to start the cycle. Phase 1 ammonia cleared in 10 days, Phase 2 Nitrites has not moved. I am now 7 weeks into the cycle and Nitrites are not budging.
I am using two test kits API and Red Sea both have not given any indication that this phase is anywhere near completion. API consistently reads over 5ppm and Red Sea 1ppm which is the highest reading on the card. My Nitrates reading is API 40ppm and between 20-50ppm on Red Sea.
During week 4 I had what I think is the beginning of green hair algae and some black algae pictures are below. At week 5 I added Bio Spira and this has had no impact.
I've cycled 3 tanks before and never encountered this problem. Has anyone had this problem? The black stuff growing on the sand, anyone know what this might be? Also can anyone confirm the bright green stuff on the rocks to be the onset of green hair algae.
I know not to do water changes during a cycle but can I run gfo during the cycle?
Thanks for the help
I am using two test kits API and Red Sea both have not given any indication that this phase is anywhere near completion. API consistently reads over 5ppm and Red Sea 1ppm which is the highest reading on the card. My Nitrates reading is API 40ppm and between 20-50ppm on Red Sea.
During week 4 I had what I think is the beginning of green hair algae and some black algae pictures are below. At week 5 I added Bio Spira and this has had no impact.
I've cycled 3 tanks before and never encountered this problem. Has anyone had this problem? The black stuff growing on the sand, anyone know what this might be? Also can anyone confirm the bright green stuff on the rocks to be the onset of green hair algae.
I know not to do water changes during a cycle but can I run gfo during the cycle?
Thanks for the help
