New cycle mould???

[Arom81]

Hi guys. I've been cycling this tank for almost 3 weeks now. I have used 2 shrimp and a bottle of Dr Tim's one and only. I'm seeing this white grey mould like film covering probes and wave pumps. The water kinda smells like mould too. I've used RODI water and tropic marin salt. Ammonia currently at 1.2 -1.5... Any help would be appreciated. Being my first tank i really dont know if its part of the cycle or something is up. Thanks

 

[SPR1968]

You’ll see all sorts of odd things growing as the tank matures, I wouldn’t be to concerned at this stage

Maybe start a build thread when you get chance with pictures etc

 

[Arom81]

My seneye detected max nh3 of only 0.077. I thought ammonia would spike higher than this. I have used 2 raw shrimp which have disappeared. I think the pumps chewed them up though.

 

[Garf]

Only about 9% of total ammonia is NH3, so you are well on your way.

 

[Arom81]

Awesome. Thanks

 

[Arom81]

About 7 weeks in now...Seneye ammonia reading has been at 0.001 for the past few weeks. My nitrates were still high. I tipped in another bottle of dr tims in yesterday and it looks like that has reduced them a little. Im using the red sea pro nitrate kit. I've turned lights on to try and get some algae growth. The rocks have slightly changed colour, but not as much as I expected. They are covered with a white fuzz. The sensor probes are still covered in the same stuff but it's alot more advanced on them. Am I on the right track???

 

[Jekyl]

If 7 weeks worth of cycle you're probably done. Especially if adding bacteria in a bottle. Do a large water change 75% or more and get the nitrates down.

 

[Arom81]

If 7 weeks worth of cycle you're probably done. Especially if adding bacteria in a bottle. Do a large water change 75% or more and get the nitrates down.

Cheers... I was expecting an ugly stage during the cycle.‍
When should I look at adding some fish?

 

[Jekyl]

After you do a large water change. How big is the tank? Also make sure any left over shrimp is removed.

 

[Arom81]

Shrimp is completely gone. The tank is about 70 gallon.

 

[Jekyl]

Yup. After you do that water change you're ready for your first fish or 2. Take it slow from there.

 

[Garf]

Is it common for you guys to fully submerge your probes? The point of weakness is usually where the wire enters the detector and I always make sure that bit is dry. Perhaps they make them better these days.

 

[Arom81]

Is it common for you guys to fully submerge your probes? The point of weakness is usually where the wire enters the detector and I always make sure that bit is dry. Perhaps they make them better these days.

Hmmm... This is my first tank so I didn't know any different. I haven't had an issue this far but I can see where you're coming from. Mine are temporarily located in the display. I haven't finished plumbing the sump yet.

 

[Arom81]

What should ORP be on a new tank? Mine has always been 190-250. Neptune alarms comes up when ever it drops below 200