New Reefer...Cycling Help

[Lizzybxi]

I am starting a Nano 10g reef and am currently cycling the tank. I am using Dr.Tims fishless cycling guide. Today I tested PH (7.8), Ammonia (8ppm) and Nitrite (0.5ppm). Today is my 7th day cycling and I was previously reading a constant 7.8PH, 2ppm Ammonia and 0.25ppm Nitrite. Yesterday my aquascape fell apart so I needed to glue it back together. I thought I could quickly pull out the rock which had been in the tank since the cycle started and glue it back together. After that I was unsure if exposing the rock killed off some of the beneficial bacteria so I decided to add 1-2 tbsp. of the bottled BB. I don't know if this could have caused the spike in ammonia and nitrite but can I get some advice. Is the spike normal or should I do a water change? PLS help.

 

[vetteguy53081]

It will go up and down . If its not leveling out, may be an opportunity to look at your filtration.
What test kit(s) are you using?
API kits tend to produce false readings.
Temp 76-79
Salinity. 1.024-1.025
Ph. 8.0-8.3 (7.8 ok as long as its constant)

 

[vetteguy53081]

Water change will help but with no livestock, probably not necessary.

 

[Lizzybxi]

I'm doing a budget tank so I have a aqua clear 50 HOB with the media and sponge. I am using the API saltwater kit - might have to upgrade soon.
Salinity: 1.025
Temp: 77.4
I have to do another reading tomorrow but might do one this afternoon just to check. I'll update this post if anything changes.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I'm doing a budget tank so I have a aqua clear 50 HOB with the media and sponge. I am using the API saltwater kit - might have to upgrade soon.
Salinity: 1.025
Temp: 77.4
I have to do another reading tomorrow but might do one this afternoon just to check. I'll update this post if anything changes.

API- i figured. If you get a chance, take a water sample to a trusted LFS and have them test water for you to verify your readings.
Also on your piwer filter. Add a small container of chemipure blue or elite. It will control phos and nitrate and polish water for you

 

[K7BMG]

What type of rock? Was it clean before use? Sand or crushed coral?
Same clean before use?
In disrupting the rick and sand could have released something.

Did you retest to check your result?
No matter the test kit brand you are using.
The vials need to be clean before use, and preferably the same vial should be used with the same test.

 

[K7BMG]

API kits get a bad rap.
I am not defending them but IMO they are just fine for fishless tank cycling.

As I said before API kits have 4 vials and caps for a reason.
Each test should only ever use one vial and cap.
This helps prevent errors due to cross contamination.

 

[Lizzybxi]

I bought the macro rock from Saltwateraquaium.com and imagatium aquatic sand so nothing has any pest. Everything is brand new. I run the vials and caps under warm water after every use so everything is always clean and they are label so no mix up.

 

[Lizzybxi]

Update (4H later)
Same results
PH: 7.8
Ammonia: 8ppm
Nitrite: 0.50ppm

 

[K7BMG]

That is crazy to go from 2 to 8ppm.
The good thing is you are showing Nitrites.
Look at you labeled your viles good job

 

[K7BMG]

So now with the ammonia that high, I would recomend a 6 gallon water change. Ammonia that high can cause issues and delays.
Stir up the water before you remove it, run your hand through the sand and swish the rock around. This will help get any unwanted stuff free.
Wait a couple of hours after the water change and test ammonia level and note it down.
Test every day to make sure it does not continue to rise.
If it rises then we will address that.

Do not add anything other than top off water.
Do not add any water conditioniers like prime or anything. These products will prolong the cycle even further.
they temporarily convert ammonia to less harmful chenicals hut will slowly revert back to harmful ammonia levels.

These products are for emergency use when you have livestock in the tank to allow a person time to deal with the situation.


Then its wait and researh time.
Let the tank be and just add top off water as needed.
Choose your fish and learn about its care while your waiting.

 

[Lizzybxi]

5 hours and 6 gallons later... Definite improvement with ammonia/nitrite levels. Also think PH increased!
Temp: 78
PH: 8
Ammonia: 2ppm
Nitrite: 0.25ppm
Thanks again for all the advice and will continue to test daily.

 

[K7BMG]

Oh my 5 hours.
Well your on your way now.
You did not post your levels?

 

[Lizzybxi]

I updated it..check now!

 

[K7BMG]

Perfect now just sit tight, add top off water as needed. Your more than welcome.