Cycling Tank with Real Reef Rock

[Stevo7]

Hi,
Im 7 days into my cycle and ive tested three times so far with all the readings being the same;
Ammonia: 0ppm
Nitrite: 0ppm
Nitrate: 50ppm

I was just wondering why there has been no change in nitrates so far or if i need to seed my tank with some shrimp etc. In addition there has been no visible signs of algae growth if that has anything to do with it.

Thanks for the help.

[wicz101]

using 100% live rock to start a new tank, IME will speed up the cycling time,7 days you might be getting close in my opinion, just keep testing every few days. Hopefully you are aware nothing good happens fast in a reef tank. check levels, throw some food in there and check the ammonia and other levels 24 hrs later, if they the same you are headed in the right direction as far as being cycled.

Also there will be no need to add a seeding source ie a shrimp b/c the live rock will provide that to the tank.

[vhuang168]

What did you use to start cycle?

[sde1500]

Zero ammonia and Nitrite usually indicates the end of a cycle. Nitrates will remain. If you have been testing and watched both ammonia spike and fall away, and Nitrites spike and fall away, the cycle is probably done. As mentioned above, doesn't hurt to wait a bit longer too, just to be sure.

[gone fishin]

Is this the man made rock not natural rock?

If it was dry when you got it or not really cycled then yes you will most likely need to put in an ammonia source. Shrimp, pure ammonia or fish food are all acceptable. Good luck

[thegrun]

I would add an ammonia source and see how the tank processes it.

[Stevo7]

Its man made rock, i used nothing apart from live sand and rock to start the cycle. Thanks for the replies i will add an ammonia source to see then post the results in a day or two.

[SPotter]

nitrates wont disappear on their own....you'll need to remove them either mechanically or via water changes.

[Stevo7]

how would i remove mechanically?

[vhuang168]

Real reef (the brand) is not live rock. Unless you mean rock from a real reef.

Did you buy it dry or wet?

If dry, it's dead probably man made rock. If wet, you should be ok.

If it's dry man made rock, you need an ammonia source to start the cycle.

Was there an ammonia spike at any time you've had water in the tank?

[Stevo7]

It was the brand so i will need to seed the tank then and no spike of anything apart from nitrate

[nuxx]

Instant Ocean BioSpira will normally make short work of your cycle :)