New tank cycle but reducing nitrates

[uscakeeper]

Hi all. I've cycled a few tanks but this is my first attempt doing fishless and Im really triying to focus on creating the appropriate microbiome before introducing live stock. namely getting 2ppm Ammonia/Nitrites cycled within 24 hours. I'm at about a month but I changed out a large rock for a couple pieces of dry rock better suited for my tank (and growing bacteria) and used the opportunity to increase the sand bed to about 4in with live sand. I did a massive water change here ~60% about 2 weeks ago. Ammonia has been cycling 2ppm to 0 in roughly 24 hours, Nitrites since the water change have hovered around 2ppm consistently, and nitrates have gone from 10ppm to 1-2ppm. The nitrate part is really confusing because i haven't done any additional water changes. I do have a large number of bubbles appearing against the glass in the sand bed, is that nitrogen gas from anaerobic bacteria processing nitrate? Sorry I'm setting up 32g BioCube.

 

[Spare time]

Its was probably residual from nitrite interference or a testing error on nitrate. Either way the tank is fine and ready for fish (albeit I'd do a water change jsut for the sake of it).

 

[uscakeeper]

Appreciate the response. So even without being able to bring nitrites down you think it's fish ready? What would you recommend for CUC to start. I imagine something smaller and increase as tank matures?

 

[Matt Bravo]

Appreciate the response. So even without being able to bring nitrites down you think it's fish ready? What would you recommend for CUC to start. I imagine something smaller and increase as tank matures?

I know it’s a super late response and I’m sorry you didn’t get much advice. How’s is the system and have you added live stock? I have about a 9 m/o nano reef so maybe I can offer some advice?