New tank cycle question

[Giancarlo_Flex]

So its been 11 days since I started cycle with 2.0 amm and bio-spira, now zero amm and these are my levels. The water level on my tank has evaporated, can I add more water or will it affect the cycle? Was told after tank showed zero amm and nitrites, to add 1.0 amm and wait 24hrs to see if amm and nitrites go to zero, if they do I water change 30% and then add fish. Any idea how long this will cycle? Thx any tips will be helpful

 

[TX_REEF]

Could take 1 week or a few weeks, every cycle is different. Just keep testing and stay the course!

 

[TX_REEF]

Best advice I’ve ever received: “nothing good happens fast in reefing” :grinning-face-with-smiling-eyes:

 

[musel101]

Welcome

 

[WalkerLovesTheOcean]

Doing a water change should not affect the cycle, unless you clean the sand bed, or really make the tank squeaky clean. You should be fine by just taking out and adding water in. And like @TX_REEF said, it could take anywhere from a week to a month, depending on how you are doing it.

 

[aggrofish]

Yes you can top off with RODI. You’re moving along as you have NO3, but you want zero nitrite. You’re close. Biospira usually takes around 2 weeks IMO

 

[Giancarlo_Flex]

Could take 1 week or a few weeks, every cycle is different. Just keep testing and stay the course!

Thx

 

[TX_REEF]

Thx, can I add water tho since my waters evaporated? or will it affect my cycle?

Definitely top off the evaporation with RODI water to keep salinity stable.

 

[Giancarlo_Flex]

Yes you can top off with RODI. You’re moving along as you have NO3, but you want zero nitrite. You’re close. Biospira usually takes around 2 weeks IMO

tytyty, thought it would delay my cycle

 

[WalkerLovesTheOcean]

Thx, can I add water tho since my waters evaporated? or will it affect my cycle?

You most definitely can, the bacteria that is used to break down ammonia and nitrites, is not typically found in the water column. It's in the sand bed, on the rocks, or in the sump.

 

[vetteguy53081]

So its been 11 days since I started cycle with 2.0 amm and bio-spira, now zero amm and these are my levels. The water level on my tank has evaporated, can I add more water or will it affect the cycle? Was told after tank showed zero amm and nitrites, to add 1.0 amm and wait 24hrs to see if amm and nitrites go to zero, if they do I water change 30% and then add fish. Any idea how long this will cycle? Thx any tips will be helpful

A cycle is called a cycle when two things occur. . . . ammonia rises then falls and stays at a steady reading of Zero for at least 5 days and when nitrate rises and falls and holds at 20 or below- then you are cycled.
Being that you are using API kits , I would suggest taking a water sample to a trusted LFS and see what numbers they come up with and to compare with yours then you will know where your readings are at.
A typical cycle period is 7-21 days and you want to stock very slowly to allow denitrifying bacteria to keep up with new bioload as tank matures

 

[taricha]

Looks good. That last bit of nitrite will clear soon (a day or two) with biospira.
You can add a second ammonia dose if you want, but it's not necessary. Small -medium water changes will do no harm to cycle at this point.