Nitrite and Nitrate stalled

[ReincidentReefer]

Hello everyone,

I've been cycling my 65 gallon tank since November 1st with 3 drops of AF Bio-s daily and one teaspoon of AF Life source weekly. On the 17th I had Amonia 0, Nitrate 20-50 and Nitrite 0,5.

Today I tested and got the following results (Red Sea test kit):
Salinity: 1026
Temperature: 78,6 F
PH: 8,2
Amonia: 0
Nitrate: 20-50
Nitrite: 0,5-1
KH: 6

Is my cycle stalled? Or should I wait more to see what's going on.

Thanks!

 

[exnisstech]

You have nitrate so IMO its time to move forward slowly adding live stock. I do not own an ammonia or nitrite test kit. Once I see nitrate I move forward but as I mentioned go slowly to allow the system to adjust to the load. Your alk is a little low so maybe something to consider before adding hard coral. Are you using a low alk salt mix? Some people run low but most target 7-9 some go higher.

 

[ReincidentReefer]

You have nitrate so IMO its time to move forward slowly adding live stock. I do not own an ammonia or nitrite test kit. Once I see nitrate I move forward but as I mentioned go slowly to allow the system to adjust to the load. Your alk is a little low so maybe something to consider before adding hard coral. Are you using a low alk salt mix? Some people run low but most target 7-9 some go higher.

Thanks for the answer.

Actually I'm using Aquaforest Reef Salt, my alkalinity was around 8 but it dropped now, not sure why.

I heard that nitrite might make some fish jump out of the tank, and since I don't have a cover I got worried. Should I start with some soft corals?

 

[rtparty]

Nitrite is not toxic in saltwater at the levels we tend to attain.

You are good to start adding stuff slowly

 

[exnisstech]

Thanks for the answer.

Actually I'm using Aquaforest Reef Salt, my alkalinity was around 8 but it dropped now, not sure why.

I heard that nitrite might make some fish jump out of the tank, and since I don't have a cover I got worried. Should I start with some soft corals?

I've never heard of nitrite doing any such thing. Actually in saltwater nitrite is not really a concern but I've read it can skew nitrate test results.
I run three tanks open top but you do need to be careful when selecting fish. Any fish can jump but some are more prone to than other so just research a bit first. Soft coral are good start. Heck I love a tank full of softies. Again research as some can become invasive. I would also add a fish or two to feed the coral and get the system to start maturing processing waste.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Thanks for the answer.

Actually I'm using Aquaforest Reef Salt, my alkalinity was around 8 but it dropped now, not sure why.

I heard that nitrite might make some fish jump out of the tank, and since I don't have a cover I got worried. Should I start with some soft corals?

i expect that I have read as many discussions of nitrite over the past 30 years as anyone, and I have never heard of anyone claiming that for a marine system.

perhaps it applies to fresh water, where nitrite is toxic, or maybe its just bogus. In any case, it is zero concern in your case.

As others have mentioned, it does cause a false high reading for nitrate for many kits, and your nitrate may be much lower than you think.

 

[ReincidentReefer]

@rtparty thanks for the answer. Will do it.

@exnisstech thank you. I will get a pair of clownfish, a zoanthus/some hardy soft and some cleaning crew today from the LFS.

@Randy Holmes-Farley Yes, this is an old discussion indeed. It's always good to get new opinions, since the hobby/science is always evolving. Thanks a lot for the answer.