Zero PPM.....?

slimfl08 · Feb 13, 2018

So I picked up a 20 gallon tank that was previously set up with very well cured live rock. I cycled the tank keeping an eye on parameters and it has stayed at 0 PPM for Ammonia and Nitrate. Is this common with a previously established tank? I filled with RO/DI water and used instant ocean salt to get my salinity to 1.025.

Fudsey · Feb 13, 2018

Was there anything in the tank to give the tank any ammonia in the 1st place?

Maggie321 · Feb 13, 2018

Did the rocks stay wet?

slimfl08 · Feb 13, 2018

Maggie321 said:
Did the rocks stay wet?

Yep, with the water they came out of.

slimfl08 · Feb 13, 2018

Fudsey said:
Was there anything in the tank to give the tank any ammonia in the 1st place?

The previous owner had a fish in it. I did not want the fish when I purchased it.

Maggie321 · Feb 13, 2018

slimfl08 said:
Yep, with the water they came out of.

You had instant cycle. If the rocks stayed wet and didn't let sit to get stagnant for a long period of time. They were already colonized with the nitrifying bacteria.

Tautog · Feb 13, 2018

Yes, that’s normal, my tank never cycled. I also started with very good LR

slimfl08 · Feb 13, 2018

Maggie321 said:
You had instant cycle. If the rocks stayed wet and didn't let sit to get stagnant for a long period of time. They were already colonized with the nitrifying bacteria.

Ahhh sweet! Thanks for the info. I may add a Chromis or two and check my levels in a couple days.