in cycle question

[Rxb09a]

Im about week 3 or so of my cycle. I dosed Dr Tims ammonia and one and only as directed. I have low to no ammonia and havent at all during the cycle. Very high nitrites and no nitrates. I have tried a water change to drop the nitrites but it is unsuccessful. I put one fish in 4 days ago and it is eating and seems healthy. Is this normal? Still mid cycle?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Im about week 3 or so of my cycle. I dosed Dr Tims ammonia and one and only as directed. I have low to no ammonia and havent at all during the cycle. Very high nitrites and no nitrates. I have tried a water change to drop the nitrites but it is unsuccessful. I put one fish in 4 days ago and it is eating and seems healthy. Is this normal? Still mid cycle?

I'd mostly ignore the nitrite but I'd make sure the kit can detect ammonia properly.

Did you just add ammonia once?

 

[Rxb09a]

I'd mostly ignore the nitrite but I'd make sure the kit can detect ammonia properly.

Did you just add ammonia once?

i added ammonia 4 times

 

[MnFish1]

i added ammonia 4 times

When was the last time that you added ammonia - and how much? - which test kit are you using. Generally speaking a water change is done if nitrates are elevated. Depending on which test you're using the elevated nitrite may be interfering with your nitrate measurement. Here is one example. I would not think your cycle is stopped.
https://www.tropic-marin-smartinfo....ect the,carrying out the nitrate measurement.

 

[PharmrJohn]

It takes a longer for the Nitrite to Nitrate conversion. Just be patient. If you would like to dose more nitrifying bacteria there's nothing wrong with it. When I cycle I'm gonna add Dr. Tim's OAO, Microbacter7 and Probidio's Start Up all at once. Then let the tank cook. IMO, you're still mid-cycle.

 

[Rxb09a]

So just an update I just let it ride and as of yesterday everything dropped back to 0.

 

[Lavey29]

You don't want 0 nitrates if the tank is cycling properly. 0 ammonia yes, nitrites are irrelevant in reef aquaria. Do you have adequate rock scape in the tank for beneficial bacteria? The 0 readings are most likely due to only one fish currently not producing much waste.

 

[Rxb09a]

You don't want 0 nitrates if the tank is cycling properly. 0 ammonia yes, nitrites are irrelevant in reef aquaria. Do you have adequate rock scape in the tank for beneficial bacteria? The 0 readings are most likely due to only one fish currently not producing much waste.

I have approximately 70 pounds of rock

 

[Lavey29]

I have approximately 70 pounds of rock

You probably just need a few more fish now to start seeing measurable nitrates.