Quick help needed: Cycling

huthain · 2026-08-26T13:13:32-0400

So very short, I recieved my s1000 redsea 10 days ago. For the past 6 months I managed to cycle about 60% ish of the rocks that went into it in a barell. Fastforward now rocks have been in the tank for a week added bacteria and ammonia as well but I wouldnt say I hit 2ppm probably around 1 or 1.5ppm. Nitrates jave claimed up steadily day by day with the last 3 days reading being 5.7, 8.2 and 9.7.

I dont have a solid ammonia tester and API and salifert both have been disastrous. However here is a pic of my API ammonia test right now.

I have a midas blenny that needs to move asap as tank is shutting down. Would it be safe to put the little guy in the tank? What precautions can I take if I do? Should I dose Prime?

Saltyreef · 2026-08-26T13:14:48-0400

I would not trust api ammonia.
Historically have seen issues with it.

Use the salifert and trust it

huthain · 2026-08-26T13:26:32-0400

Saltyreef said:
I would not trust api ammonia.
Historically have seen issues with it.

Use the salifert and trust it

Dad youre always there when I need you.

This foggy result is what I get with salifert, what do you make of it?

Saltyreef · 2026-08-26T13:29:00-0400

huthain said:
Dad youre always there when I need you.

This foggy result is what I get with salifert, what do you make of it?

0 my child.

huthain · 2026-08-26T13:29:15-0400

Saltyreef said:
0 my child.

Add the Blenny?

Fish Fan · 2026-08-26T13:42:09-0400

If I follow your post correctly, you had most of the rock cycling in a barrel for 6 months. Did you add ammonia and bacteria to this barrel? If so, then the rocks should be well cycled and ready to go for your new tank immediately. If the rocks are already cycled, there's no need to add ammonia and further bacteria, unless I'm misunderstanding what you've done.

Seachem Prime does not reduce ammonia as stated, it's been tested, and here's one such result if you're interested:
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/a...prime-cloram-x-rongalite-and-friends.1064206/

I would either wait a day or so for the ammonia you added to be processed by the bacteria you already have, or I'd do a large water change to bring the ammonia down if you're in a hurry.

It sounds like your tank should be ready for the Blenny, but I wouldn't add the fish with ammonia over about 0.50 ppm maximum, ideally 0.25 ppm or less.

I hope that helps