New cycle

[j-bert]

Hello all, I’ve had my tank set up since Dec 23,2025. I have been reading 1-2ppm nitrite for about 2-3 weeks now. I just did a 60% water change on a 13.5 gallon system, after the water change Ammonia is zero and ph is 8.15, 7.3dkh, nitrite 1ppm. Before the water change my readings were 8.0ph, 1-2ppm nitrite(somewhere in the middle on colour card), 0ammonia,7.0dkh. The salinity has remained 1.025. The tank has 1turbo snail, 1 nasarius snail, 1 blue legged hermit. Do I restart the system or wait out the cycle? I’ve stopped any form of added ammonia.

Thank you!

 

[Dan_P]

Hello all, I’ve had my tank set up since Dec 23,2025. I have been reading 1-2ppm nitrite for about 2-3 weeks now. I just did a 60% water change on a 13.5 gallon system, after the water change Ammonia is zero and ph is 8.15, 7.3dkh, nitrite 1ppm. Before the water change my readings were 8.0ph, 1-2ppm nitrite(somewhere in the middle on colour card), 0ammonia,7.0dkh. The salinity has remained 1.025. The tank has 1turbo snail, 1 nasarius snail, 1 blue legged hermit. Do I restart the system or wait out the cycle? I’ve stopped any form of added ammonia.

Thank you!

You did not mention what you are feeding the snails, though not strictly relevant.

Nitrite consumption usually takes longer to kickin. Also it is not as toxic in saltwater as it in freshwater and many aquarist ignore it. I assume you’ve convinced yourself that ammonia is being consumed by your new system.

 

[j-bert]

Hello all, I’ve had my tank set up since Dec 23,2025. I have been reading 1-2ppm nitrite for about 2-3 weeks now. I just did a 60% water change on a 13.5 gallon system, after the water change Ammonia is zero and ph is 8.15, 7.3dkh, nitrite 1ppm. Before the water change my readings were 8.0ph, 1-2ppm nitrite(somewhere in the middle on colour card), 0ammonia,7.0dkh. The salinity has remained 1.025. The tank has 1turbo snail, 1 nasarius snail, 1 blue legged hermit. Do I restart the system or wait out the cycle? I’ve stopped any form of added ammonia.

Thank you!

You did not mention what you are feeding the snails, though not strictly relevant.

Nitrite consumption usually takes longer to kickin. Also it is not as toxic in saltwater as it in freshwater and many aquarist ignore it. I assume you’ve convinced yourself that ammonia is being consumed by your new system.

I’ve heard that nitrite isn’t as serious in saltwater so when I was told this I was suggested to add the snails to stay on top of the algae blooms and diatoms (which have started).When I do feed I turn off the pump and do a SMALL pinch of flake food every 3 days just to watch the snails eat them.