Cycling Problem

[Sharkbiter]

I have a new 125 gallon with a 40 gallon sump/refugium. I have 160lbs of live sand and around 150lbs of dry live rock. My salinity is 1.025 and I have had the system running since June 2nd. I have been testing my water for the last 2 weeks and have a problem. First off my ammonia test is cloudy not clear like my fresh water testing is. Second I show no nitrites and no nitrates and my ammonia is very low like barely on the scale. I don't want to add fish to an un-cycled tank. I need some help. I have been adding fish food for 2 weeks. I have cycled fresh water tanks this way but I have never cycled saltwater tanks before. Am I being paranoid or is it just taking longer to cycle? What should I do?

Thanks

[Victorg1001]

I would do something to get the ammonia between 2ppm and 4ppm. Either toss in a raw uncooked shrimp or janitorial grade ammonia (no surfactants). Test once or twice a day to see how quickly ammonia is being turned into nitrites and nitrites into nitrates.

[Ztrain]

I'm using the following. It has given me great results. I've got the whole cycle complete. But I'm using this to increase the bacterial population while waiting for my Acrylic tank to be completed. Right now with six gal of water my live rock is cycling about 1ppm of ammonia per day. I'm hoping to get it up to about 5ppm in a 12 hour period before my tank arrives.

I've used no food, rotting shrimp, or bottled bacteria products. Just the pictured ammonia and bacteria from the air.

http://i1156.photobucket.com/albums/p580/Ztrainz/Starting%20the%20bio%20filter/WP_20140624_19_58_03_Pro_zps642068a1.jpg

[Sharkbiter]

Never cycled with Ammonia before. How much do I add?

[Ztrain]

Depends on how much water you have but whatever you think...less

First time I tried I had six gal of salt water and figured I'd throw in a cap full. Put me up probably about 50ppm ammonia. I'd say put in like maybe 10 drops and see where that gets you. If you need more add more.

The reason why I didn't go with the food or the shrimp rot is because I'm going to for a sterile environment with no hitch hikers. One major "possible" however unlikely scenario, is that you introduce a mild mold to your aquarium with the rotting material. The spores can go inactive until something triggers them down the road and then poof you got mold eating your inhabitants out of nowhere. It be nasty stuff.

http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Columnaris.html#fungus

[Victorg1001]

Only thing I would add is be prepared for high nitrates when cycling with ammonia. Especially if you keep adding a little after ammonia and nitrites have already spiked. Nothing some large water changes can't fix though.