Salt and Struggle: watching my first attempt at saltwater aquariums

[InvertGang]

I understand your concerns over the test kits but know this, this hobby has been going for many many years using these test kits. Are they 100% accurate probably not, but they are the best we can use and I’d still say they are fairly accurate. At the very least it’s pretty reliable to tell you if your cycle has finished.
Remember the number 1 rule of this hobby. Nothing good happens fast.

I tested my ammonia and my nitrates. The ammonia was 0 and the nitrates was probably between 0ppm and 2 ppm (it wasn't quite 0 on the scale but definitely below 5ppm). It's definitely producing waste since I'm feeding the tank (for the bristle worms and such in there). Maybe the chaeto is pulling all of it out. I guess I should start feeding a bit more to up the nitrates.

 

[InvertGang]

If you used live rock, you would have skipped a cycle and all should be fine. Especially seeing the nice growth you have. Good luck!

Thank you! I did a test and it looks good. I got a peppermint shrimp to celebrate, it's so cute.

Hopefully the little guy helps get some of the aiptasia from the live rocks.