OP
OP
I wanted to share an update on my 5-gallon nano reef cycle and get confirmation that I’m on the right track.
Tank details:
What happened:
I initially attempted a fishless cycle and accidentally overdosed ammonium chloride, which caused ammonia to spike. Once I realized there were inverts in the tank, I immediately corrected the situation with multiple water changes to protect them.
After a 50% water change followed by an 80% water change, ammonia was reduced to a safe level (.25 ppm).
Behavior check:
Current water parameters (today):
Current approach:
At this point ammonia is consistently testing at zero, livestock is behaving normally, and there are no spikes. I understand that in a lightly stocked 5g nano—especially after large water changes—it’s possible for nitrate to lag or remain at zero temporarily.
Looking for confirmation that this is normal for a nano live cycle and that continued stability (ammonia/nitrite staying at zero) is the correct indicator before moving on to corals later.
Tank details:
- 5G rimless nano with rear filtration
- Mechanical sponge, carbon, and ceramic biological media
- 130 GPH return
- Using MicroBacter7
- Livestock currently in tank: 1 snail, 2 hermit crabs
- Miofis New Gen One ATO
- Prime 16HD Lighting
What happened:
I initially attempted a fishless cycle and accidentally overdosed ammonium chloride, which caused ammonia to spike. Once I realized there were inverts in the tank, I immediately corrected the situation with multiple water changes to protect them.
After a 50% water change followed by an 80% water change, ammonia was reduced to a safe level (.25 ppm).
Behavior check:
- Snail is actively moving and attached to rock
- Hermits are active and climbing rockwork
- No signs of stress or lethargy
Current water parameters (today):
- Ammonia: 0 ppm
- Nitrite: 0 ppm
- Nitrate: 0 ppm
Current approach:
- No more ammonia dosing
- No feeding
- Continuing MicroBacter7
- Testing daily
- Allowing the snail and hermits to provide a light bioload for a gentle live cycle
At this point ammonia is consistently testing at zero, livestock is behaving normally, and there are no spikes. I understand that in a lightly stocked 5g nano—especially after large water changes—it’s possible for nitrate to lag or remain at zero temporarily.
Looking for confirmation that this is normal for a nano live cycle and that continued stability (ammonia/nitrite staying at zero) is the correct indicator before moving on to corals later.
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