Water parameters way off base

[kreblak]

I am still trying to get my 10 gallon cycled properly. A week ago, (after cycling for 9 weeks) the shrimp was still sitting in there rotting, and my readings were:

Ammonia = 5 ppm
nitrites = 10 ppm
nitrates = 25 ppm

I removed the shrimp, waited a day, and added 2 lbs of thoroughly pre-cured live rock. (no hitchhickers, cured for 4 weeks, 3.99/lb at LFS who couldn't get rid of it) Anyway, with no ammonia source and the live rock in place for the last 4 days, my readings are:

ammonia = 1.5 ppm
nitrites = 33 ppm
nitrates = 12 ppm

All tests have been done in duplicate using both a Salifert test kit as well as a Tetratest kit. Numbers posted are the average reading obtained. The tank is a 10 gallon with a 2-3 inch DSB and 2 lbs of live rock. Temp is constant at 79*. Do these numbers look wierd to anyone else?

[Guy W]

How long has this new live rock been in the tank? 4 days right? Those numbers look normal to me. Ammonia is going down nitrites bumped up... cycle is finishing.

Although I think you could use another 8 to 12 pounds of rock in there to be totally safe.

Guy

[kreblak]

I was just really surprised to see nitrites go sky high and nitrates coming down. I also expected the ammonia to drop faster with the shrimp gone. When the remainder of my LR arrives (10lbs), I will be aquascaping it.

[Guy W]

The nitrates going down is a bit odd, however it could be a result of simply adding the rock which I assume displaced water and you ended up removing a gallon or two.

Guy