Need reassurance I’m on the right track!

[tcrumbley]

I’m 2 weeks into my cycle of a 225g tank. I hope this is what it’s suppose to look like! From what I’m reading it’s on track, but always looking for advice and opinions.

 

[andrewey]

Looks like a diatom bloom to me. Assuming that you're able to process 2ppm ammonia, diatom blooms usually signify the end of a cycle and the start of the ugly phase

 

[tcrumbley]

Today I notice that there are spots turning green all over the rock and sand. This is normal, right?

 

[cvrle1]

Only 1 way to tell you for certain. Share your numbers for Ammonia, Nitrate and Nitrite from last several days, and what kind of rock did you use (dry, live, etc)

 

[tcrumbley]

I’m using the API ammonia test kit and have not had a zero reading yet, but the Seachem Ammonia Alert tag inside the tank reads safe every morning after adding the ammonia in the evenings. So, I’m assuming it is processing the ammonia. Do you have any better suggestions on testing? My nitrites were a little higher this evening and my nitrates are 10.

 

[andrewey]

What did you use to start your cycle?

 

[tcrumbley]

Only 1 way to tell you for certain. Share your numbers for Ammonia, Nitrate and Nitrite from last several days, and what kind of rock did you use (dry, live, etc)

I used dry rock with live sand.

 

[tcrumbley]

What did you use to start your cycle?

I used Fritz TurboStart 900 and I’m using the Fritz Ammonium Chloride to do a fishless cycle.

 

[andrewey]

Fantastic! One last question- you say that you add ammonia in the evenings. Is that every evening? Have you dosed your tank to 2ppm recently and seen how long it takes to zero out?

 

[tcrumbley]

I’ve only been able to get it to 2ppm once in the beginning using this stuff. I’ve never let it zero out no....ive been dosing it every other evening. Should I stop that and see how long it takes?

 

[andrewey]

Yeah, I wouldn't be dosing it every evening. I usually dose once to start the cycle, wait until my ammonia hits zero, watch for my nitrite to hit zero, then dose the next day and confirm the tank can process 2ppm ammonia in 24 hours. If it can, you're done. If not, wait a day or two and try again.

 

[andrewey]

Based on the green algae and diatoms, I suspect you are either cycled or about to finish cycling. Some hobbyists believe these represent the end of a cycle, but that's an erroneous assumption as both can be present during a cycle and have no direct correlation on the ability of nitrifying bacteria to process ammonia.

 

[tcrumbley]

Ahhhh gotcha!!!! I will do that!!!

 

[tcrumbley]

Based on the green algae and diatoms, I suspect you are either cycled or about to finish cycling. Some hobbyists believe these represent the end of a cycle, but that's an erroneous assumption as both can be present during a cycle and have no direct correlation on the ability of nitrifying bacteria to process ammonia.

So once my ammonia and nitrites are at 0. I do a water change, then I can add CUC?

 

[andrewey]

Also, as to the green spots- completely normal. Your rock will all turn green in time. That will last about 3-6 months before it should start turning purple/pink with coraline algae. The diatoms (brown dust on rock/sand) will usually dissapear within a few weeks/month. They need to consume the excess silicates first.

 

[andrewey]

I would go by the ability of the rock to process 2ppm ammonia in 24 hours rather than the absolute values of 0 ammonia or nitrite. Then yes, you can add your CUC if you desire.

 

[tcrumbley]

Also, as to the green spots- completely normal. Your rock will all turn green in time. That will last about 3-6 months before it should start turning purple/pink with coraline algae. The diatoms (brown dust on rock/sand) will usually dissapear within a few weeks/month. They need to consume the excess silicates first.

Great to know! Thank you so much for your help! I feel like maybe I’m on the right track now.