New Tank Members - Page 2

jreefer87 · 08/13/2018, 10:39 AM

So after checking on things this morning; ammonia still at 0 and nitrates are at 40ppm and nitrites are at about 3.0ppm. I am starting to see a little hair algae on the glass in addition to the diatoms that is taking over the rock. It does seem like (from all that I've read) the cycling of the tank is coming to a "close" - would that be an accurate assumption? Even though it's taken a little longer than most tanks.

BeachVacationer · 08/19/2018, 07:28 AM

Can you post a picture of your tank and filtration system? I'd like to see what type of rock you have. I like to say cycling is completed when ammonia and nitrite ate zero and nitrate is well below 40. The denitrifying bacteria deeper in the rock should be reducing your nitrate. Looks like you need more time to colonize enough of those bacteria. Have you tested your RODI water with the same kit? Also test a fresh batch of salt water just to see what that measures. And don't overfeed.

jreefer87 · 08/22/2018, 08:48 AM

Thanks for the info. After some time and testing everything is down to 0 that needs to be 0. Still have a diatom issue but I just got my RODI unit so hopefully doing a large water change will start to help with that and I can stop using a Prime and Tap Water, and maybe looking into a few more snails etc. to add to my CUC.

08/13/2018, 10:39 AM	#26
jreefer87 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2018 Posts: 19	So after checking on things this morning; ammonia still at 0 and nitrates are at 40ppm and nitrites are at about 3.0ppm. I am starting to see a little hair algae on the glass in addition to the diatoms that is taking over the rock. It does seem like (from all that I've read) the cycling of the tank is coming to a "close" - would that be an accurate assumption? Even though it's taken a little longer than most tanks.

08/19/2018, 07:28 AM	#27
BeachVacationer Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Naperville, IL Posts: 546	Can you post a picture of your tank and filtration system? I'd like to see what type of rock you have. I like to say cycling is completed when ammonia and nitrite ate zero and nitrate is well below 40. The denitrifying bacteria deeper in the rock should be reducing your nitrate. Looks like you need more time to colonize enough of those bacteria. Have you tested your RODI water with the same kit? Also test a fresh batch of salt water just to see what that measures. And don't overfeed.

08/22/2018, 08:48 AM	#28
jreefer87 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2018 Posts: 19	Thanks for the info. After some time and testing everything is down to 0 that needs to be 0. Still have a diatom issue but I just got my RODI unit so hopefully doing a large water change will start to help with that and I can stop using a Prime and Tap Water, and maybe looking into a few more snails etc. to add to my CUC.