Yet another newbie cycling question

SmoothVermin · 01/16/2009, 08:09 AM

Hello,

I have been trying to cycle a 14g biocube with 17lbs of LR and a couple pounds of rubble that replaced the bioballs. Its been about a week now and I have been looking for the ammonia spike but all I see now is 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 20 Nitrate. To my understanding the nitrate was supposed to be the end result of my cycle. Is it possible my LR boosted the process? The rock came from the LFS fully cured. (I was told) Should probaly add that there is also a filter cartridge with activated charcoal installed. I am in no rush to stock the tank but any information would be appreciated.

Michael · 01/16/2009, 08:21 AM

if the rock was fully cured its possible that its cycled, id still wait for a few more days monitoring for ammonia and nitrite though, just in case

dwd5813 · 01/16/2009, 08:25 AM

well, you could go to the grocery store and buy clear pure ammonia, the kind that doesn't foam when shaken, and add a few ml until you get a positive ammonia reading, then test it daily or twice a day and see how long it takes to process.

dwd5813 · 01/16/2009, 08:27 AM

i probably wouldn't bother with that come to think of it though since if you have a nitrate reading you've probably already gone through the cycle that you'll see and as long as you don't have any more spikes in a week or so like michael said you should be all set.

IslandCrow · 01/16/2009, 08:33 AM

Agree 100% with Michael's post and dwd5813's second post. Fully cured rock generally won't go through a traditional cycle, but the tank generally still needs some time to really stabilize. I've always used cured rock, and none of my tanks have ever shown ammonia. I still waited a month before adding anything, though. That's probably conservative, but in the big scheme of things, a month is no big deal.

SmoothVermin · 01/16/2009, 08:37 AM

Thanks so much for everyone response. I will keep a close eye on it and give an update.

01/16/2009, 08:09 AM	#1
SmoothVermin Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 2	Yet another newbie cycling question Hello, I have been trying to cycle a 14g biocube with 17lbs of LR and a couple pounds of rubble that replaced the bioballs. Its been about a week now and I have been looking for the ammonia spike but all I see now is 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 20 Nitrate. To my understanding the nitrate was supposed to be the end result of my cycle. Is it possible my LR boosted the process? The rock came from the LFS fully cured. (I was told) Should probaly add that there is also a filter cartridge with activated charcoal installed. I am in no rush to stock the tank but any information would be appreciated.

01/16/2009, 08:21 AM	#2
Michael NTTH Rookie Help Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Gloucester, England,UK Posts: 7,808 Blog Entries: 6	if the rock was fully cured its possible that its cycled, id still wait for a few more days monitoring for ammonia and nitrite though, just in case __________________ Don't be afraid to ask questions, we in the new to the hobby are here to help you [For My Tank Spec,Photo Album,Articles and website, click on my name] MY Very Kindest and Warmest Regards , MIKE Current Tank Info: I have a 92 gal Corner Tank, and way too many pieces of equipment to list really, (proud member of the reef central corner club)

01/16/2009, 08:25 AM	#3
dwd5813 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: 813 Posts: 2,827	well, you could go to the grocery store and buy clear pure ammonia, the kind that doesn't foam when shaken, and add a few ml until you get a positive ammonia reading, then test it daily or twice a day and see how long it takes to process. __________________ order some golf shoes, otherwise we'll never get out of this place alive. what can i say? in dog beers, i have only had one. - dublo8 Current Tank Info: 40B aiptasia farm

01/16/2009, 08:27 AM	#4
dwd5813 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: 813 Posts: 2,827	i probably wouldn't bother with that come to think of it though since if you have a nitrate reading you've probably already gone through the cycle that you'll see and as long as you don't have any more spikes in a week or so like michael said you should be all set. __________________ order some golf shoes, otherwise we'll never get out of this place alive. what can i say? in dog beers, i have only had one. - dublo8 Current Tank Info: 40B aiptasia farm

01/16/2009, 08:33 AM	#5
IslandCrow Reef Monkey Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Rockledge, Fl Posts: 5,759	Agree 100% with Michael's post and dwd5813's second post. Fully cured rock generally won't go through a traditional cycle, but the tank generally still needs some time to really stabilize. I've always used cured rock, and none of my tanks have ever shown ammonia. I still waited a month before adding anything, though. That's probably conservative, but in the big scheme of things, a month is no big deal. __________________ All opinions in the above message should be taken with 35 ppt salt. -Mike C. Current Tank Info: I have a reef screen saver on my phone, does that count?

01/16/2009, 08:37 AM	#6
SmoothVermin Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 2	Thanks so much for everyone response. I will keep a close eye on it and give an update.