20g High Nano cycling with live rock

[buddha_red]

20g High tank $FREE
Stealth Heater 100W $19.00
(2) Koralia Water Circulation Nano Pumps 240 gph $55.00
Nova Extreme T-5 Fixtures w/Lunar Lights 24" - 96 watts $157.00
Aquaclear 110 $79.00
75GPD RO DI filter $130.00
Saltwater Test Kit $17.00
Marine Depot Aquarium Refractometer $39.00
30 lbs Aragonite sand $24.00
24 lbs live rock Fiji branch $139.00


==================
Date 11/26/2008
Ammonia .50 ppm
Nitrite 0 ppm
Nitrate 0 ppm
PH 8.2
SG 1.024
Temp: 78F
==================
24 lbs Live Fuji branch Rock in tank, 4 lbs rubble in ac 100. total 24lbs live rock. I am letting my tank go through it's nitrogen cycle with the live rock. I will keep a diary here and keep all my questions limited to this thread.

I appreciate any and all advice, tips and corrections. I'm here to learn.

i didnt rinse the sand well enough! Not even close haha but it will clear up

[melosu58]

Good start. Cant wait to see the progression.

[buddha_red]

i have been reading a lot about cycling a tank and many places say to raise the temp to 80 degrees while others say leave it in the 70's.

Which is best? i would think warmer but best to ask.


thanks a bunch!

[HoCkEyGmC]

mid 70's to low 80's would be fine. just keep the temp constant.

[melosu58]

I really dont think it makes a difference. 78-82. As mentioned before just keep it constant.

[buddha_red]

==================
Date 11/29/2008
Ammonia .50 ppm
Nitrite 1.0 ppm
Nitrate 160 ppm
PH 8.2
SG 1.024
Temp: 78F
==================

[buddha_red]

==================
Date 11/30/2008
Ammonia .50 ppm
Nitrite 1 ppm
Nitrate 20 ppm
PH 7.2
SG 1.024
Temp: 80.6F
==================

[buddha_red]

==================
Date 12/1/2008
Ammonia .50 ppm
Nitrite 1.0 ppm
Nitrate 160 ppm
PH 7.2
SG 1.024
Temp: 78F
==================

[HoCkEyGmC]

Originally Posted by buddha_red

==================
Date 12/1/2008
Ammonia .50 ppm
Nitrite 1.0 ppm
Nitrate 160 ppm
PH 7.2
SG 1.024
Temp: 78F
==================

160 ppm nitrates!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! seems extremely high especially because of a 140 ppm increase in one day!

[buddha_red]

i know it has me confused. it keeps bouncing and the only thing in the tank is live rock

[HoCkEyGmC]

i dont see how just live rock can produce those nitrates? unless there is a dead fish or other large creature in there.

[buddha_red]

i tested it twice, ive seen this spike before but cannot figure out whats causing it. I rinsed each piece in a bucket of aged saltwater then into the tank. No water changes or livestock. i dont even have a piece of shrimp in there.

[HoCkEyGmC]

tricky case. interesting. not sure. others may be able to help more. sorrrry.

[buddha_red]

no problem, thanks for thinking about it i appreciate the time

[melosu58]

While you are cycling the only thing you need to worry about is Ammonia and nitrites. Once they are at 0 then I would do a 33% PWC and then we can see where the nitrates are at. Everything looks like it`s on track.

[buddha_red]

==================
Date 12/3/2008
Ammonia .50 ppm
Nitrite 5.0 ppm
Nitrate 160 ppm
PH 8.2
SG 1.024
Temp: 80.6F
==================

[pat8you]

Off to a good start. Should see the ammonia start to come down before to long.

[919]

I like your fiji rock. I am waiting on 55 lbs, for my tank...

[buddha_red]

thanks a bunch! Im posting daily water readings so i can document the process hope yall dont mind.

==================
Date 12/4/2008
Ammonia .50 ppm
Nitrite 5.0 ppm
Nitrate 160 ppm
PH 8.2
SG 1.024
Temp: 80.6F
==================

[buddha_red]

==================
Date 12/5/2008
Ammonia 0 ppm
Nitrite 1.0 ppm
Nitrate 160 ppm
PH 8.2
SG 1.024
Temp: 80.6F
==================

ammonia went to zero and Nitrites went to 1.0 getting there!