Tank Cycle

[ZBT3091]

My ammonia is 0, Nitrite is .10 and Nitrate is through the roof, at least 50 ppm. The cycle is obviously towards the end, since only the nitrates are high. How long should i expect before the tank is completely cycled

 

[nanchil]

I guess minimum 2 months.

 

[KathyC]

Can you tell us more about the tank Zach? Size, sandbed (live or dry), amount of L/R ( was it all precured?)...and how long it has been up?

Nitrites must be at zero.
Nitrates obviously need to come down..that said, I'd assume since you still have Nitrites in the tank that your nitrates are still on their way up. You need to wait for them to finish peaking before they too start to decline.

After you nitrites have reached zero, some folks do a water change to lower the nitrate level.
Best to be as patient as possible at this time. (also very hard to do!)

After that is done, you can add a small clean up crew to be sure all is stable. If they do ok after a couple of weeks, you can add a few more members to your CUC. Best then to wait a little longer as the tank will be starting it's algae cycles..some green alage, diatoms...

As Nanchil said, you're probably looking at 2 months before you add your first fish or coral. That will give you a good solid start in a tank that is stable

 

[Tangs Rule]

I have had cycle issues in the past. The key is to be very patient and make sure your water parameters are set before you put any livestock in the tank. I agree with the above, you are looking at 2 months.

 

[ZBT3091]

the tank is a 75 standard. About 3 inches DSB. 20 lbs Tonga LR, about 80 Fiji. The tank has been up for about a week.

 

[ZBT3091]

also, is it okay to add a fuge while my tank is cycling? nitrates are at 15 ppm, everything else zero.

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

I would say yes to the fuge. Add some sand some rock ruble and some cheato and that's it, Just because if you wait til the tank is cycled and add the new sand to the fuge and the new rock rubble as well you could get another smaller cycle.