ammonia & nitrite readings 1 day in?

[Terry Stephens]

Hi, just setting up my reef tank....added rock yesterday lunchtime..already have ammonia spike& nitrite reading 2mg|l.Is this normal as i was expecting the ammonia to be zero before even gettting a nitrite reading????...Any ideas!!! terry.

 

[Russ1]

Terry, Be patient! If you really want to know why read one of the popular books. Don't add anything until you are confident that your readings are zero, then start with hardy things. Good luck, sounds like you are already hooked. Hang on to your wallet! Russ

 

[Terry Stephens]

Hi Russ,Patience is a virtue..ha.ha..im not planning on adding any critters yet dont panic..just thought readings were strange.Thanx Terry.

 

[monkeyboy]

The rock you put in is not cured, so some of the die-off is breaking down. Keep on testing, when your ammonia and nitrite are 0 wait a week or so before adding a fish, take it slow! HTH

 

[Enkidu]

Weird things can happen in the first few days. You could start with no ammonia or nitrite and a big nitrate, or no ammonia or nitrate and a big nitrite. Anything goes at the beginning, but eventually it will stabilize and the old familiar cycle will begin. It will probably start looking more familiar in a few more days for you. Good luck!