AM I on the right track?

[possolutions]

My tank has been up for 25 days. I just want to know if my readings are normal.

7/17/08 Ammonia .25 ppm
7/17/08 Nitrite 0 ppm
7/17/08 Nitrate 0 ppm
7/17/08 pH 8.2

7/29/08 Ammonia 2.0 ppm
7/29/08 Nitrite 0 ppm
7/29/08 Nitrate 0 ppm
7/29/08 pH 8.3

8/4/08 Ammonia 4.0 ppm
8/4/08 Nitrite .25 ppm
8/4/08 Nitrate 0 ppm
8/4/08 pH 8.3

Do these numbers look normal? Just want to make sure we are on the right track.

TIA

Water temp = 81F (nothing inside yet except LR and sand)

Test Kit = Saltwater Master Liquid Test Kit

 

[melosu58]

Looks like a good cycle to me. Before long the ammonia will start to go down and nitrites up and then they will go down. When ammonia and nitrites are at 0 then do a 33% PWC and you should be ready for your first fish in a week or two after that.

 

[cmor1701d]

Yep. You have a good cycle started.

 

[Kurt_Nelson]

Looks text-book perfect to me!

 

[roka64]

Wow, you should keep that for future newcomers, it shows an excellent cycle in progress!

 

[possolutions]

Perfect thanks guys. How long do you think it will take for it to be ready? like 3 more weeks? Should I remove the shrimp that I out in to start the cycle?

 

[roka64]

Since you are starting to see nitrItes you can, if you can keep it from falling apart. I would wait till I saw a little more nitrItes. When I cycled my tank, I just left them in.

 

[possolutions]

Thanx roka, I will wait some more. I cant wait until I get my first fishies

 

[Tank2379]

This is a great post... Thanks So i will begin my cycle and i was going to be asking ? about my cycle levels...

 

[lance]

Yes remove the shrimp. Dont add fish untill ammonia and nitrite are zero. 4 to 6 weeks usually enough time.
After cycle is over i would add a few CUC then wait a week or two then add a fish then wait and add more cuc and a fish or coral.

Use this time to learn the basics , like why do i cycle or do i have enough water movement or what do my LR and LS actually do.