How often to test water during cycle

RussR19146 · 09/01/2009, 08:45 AM

My tank seems to have entered its cycle. How often should I test the water?

Daily? weekly? or evry other day?

Current reading: SG:1.024, PH 8.2, nitrites:0, nitrates 10-20, ammonia:.50

Thanks

Russ

Sugar Magnolia · 09/01/2009, 08:48 AM

I did weekly when I cycled.

jason2459 · 09/01/2009, 08:50 AM

I would say if you are a patient person that can just wait several months before adding anything then you probably would not have to test at all. Or if you are just the opposite and in a big rush and can't wait to add something then you could do it every day and wait for the numbers to get back to 0. So anywhere in between and what you feel comfortable with would be fine.

I personally did it every day because I was curious and it was fun to watch the numbers go up and down. I had already planned to wait at least a month to two months to add anything but did the testing out of pure enjoyment.

sedor · 09/01/2009, 08:51 AM

As often as you want, but the numbers probably won't change much if you do it daily...I would go weekly, but we know you won't

RussR19146 · 09/01/2009, 09:21 AM

I think I will try and go every three-four days.

No matter what I am waiting minimum a month until anything goes in but it will be interesting to watch the numbers

Thanks for the replies

Michael · 09/01/2009, 09:30 AM

i did mine daily, and suggest you do as well, you wont see much happening at first then all of a sudden things will change and you will see it via the readings that its cycling, imo testing at the cycle stage is all part of the fun with running a marine aquarium. i enjoy the work involved with testing and keeping up water changes, just part of the upkeep really.

RussR19146 · 09/01/2009, 05:56 PM

Well I tested again today anyway..

Current reading: SG:1.024, PH 8.2, nitrites:.25, nitrates 20-40, ammonia:.50-1.0

all seems to be going well

Whwn should i add cheato to my refugium? can i do that during the cycle or wait until it is done?

koranAngel · 09/01/2009, 06:05 PM

when i first stated a yr everyday i tested,

with my new tank up n running only tested after diatom boom

judgedread · 09/02/2009, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by RussR19146
My tank seems to have entered its cycle. How often should I test the water?

Daily? weekly? or evry other day?

Current reading: SG:1.024, PH 8.2, nitrites:0, nitrates 10-20, ammonia:.50

Thanks\

once a week is fine and near the end of say 2 weeks mark 2 times a week at most.
buy seachem stability and cut yr time in half.

Russ

09/01/2009, 08:45 AM	#1
RussR19146 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Philadelphia, PA Posts: 104	How often to test water during cycle My tank seems to have entered its cycle. How often should I test the water? Daily? weekly? or evry other day? Current reading: SG:1.024, PH 8.2, nitrites:0, nitrates 10-20, ammonia:.50 Thanks Russ

09/01/2009, 08:48 AM	#2
Sugar Magnolia Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Northern VA Posts: 17,691	I did weekly when I cycled. __________________ Adrienne The only thing to fear is fear itself....and spiders.

09/01/2009, 08:50 AM	#3
jason2459 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Iowa Posts: 9,671	I would say if you are a patient person that can just wait several months before adding anything then you probably would not have to test at all. Or if you are just the opposite and in a big rush and can't wait to add something then you could do it every day and wait for the numbers to get back to 0. So anywhere in between and what you feel comfortable with would be fine. I personally did it every day because I was curious and it was fun to watch the numbers go up and down. I had already planned to wait at least a month to two months to add anything but did the testing out of pure enjoyment. __________________ rebuild and recovery log: No more red house, you'll have to click on my name and visit my homepage! You can check out my parameters at reeftronics dot net website and look for my username. Current Tank Info: 180g mixed reef w/ a beananimal overflow to a dolomite RRUGF. \| 20g long G. Smithii Mantis Tank

09/01/2009, 08:51 AM	#4
sedor Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 4,689	As often as you want, but the numbers probably won't change much if you do it daily...I would go weekly, but we know you won't __________________ Ryan

09/01/2009, 09:30 AM	#6
Michael NTTH Rookie Help Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Gloucester, England,UK Posts: 7,808 Blog Entries: 6	i did mine daily, and suggest you do as well, you wont see much happening at first then all of a sudden things will change and you will see it via the readings that its cycling, imo testing at the cycle stage is all part of the fun with running a marine aquarium. i enjoy the work involved with testing and keeping up water changes, just part of the upkeep really. __________________ 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)

09/01/2009, 09:21 AM	#5
RussR19146 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Philadelphia, PA Posts: 104	I think I will try and go every three-four days. No matter what I am waiting minimum a month until anything goes in but it will be interesting to watch the numbers Thanks for the replies

09/01/2009, 05:56 PM	#7
RussR19146 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Philadelphia, PA Posts: 104	Well I tested again today anyway.. Current reading: SG:1.024, PH 8.2, nitrites:.25, nitrates 20-40, ammonia:.50-1.0 all seems to be going well Whwn should i add cheato to my refugium? can i do that during the cycle or wait until it is done?

09/01/2009, 06:05 PM	#8
koranAngel always on ** at work Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: sydney Posts: 436	when i first stated a yr everyday i tested, with my new tank up n running only tested after diatom boom __________________ y did i start this hobby Current Tank Info: 500lt main tank 39g fuge sump....sohal tang purple tang 2clown,coral beauty banana wrasse coris wrasse royal doty cleaner shrimp coral banded shrimp flame angel bicolour angel sphinx goby cuc mixed corals