Nitrate reduction in a new tank?

[macphoto]

Is it unheard of for nitrates to drop in a new tank (I mean, aside from that which occurs from PWCs)?

I understand the basic concept of ammonia --> nitrites --> nitrates, and that nitrates are traditionally removed by regular PWCs, but can also be removed by another type of bacteria that can develop in DSBs and inside porous live rock, or by macroalgae growing in a refugium.

It looks like my cycle is winding down... ammonia spiked to 2.0, nitrites to 1.5. Nitrates got up to 30 before I did a PWC a day or two ago, and the two tests I've done since showed nitrates at 20. However, this evening my nitrates were 10.

I guess I was under the impression that these nitrate-eating bacteria were something that took a while to form... is it possible that my LR came with this bacteria already present? Any other explanation?

Tank is 90g FOWLR (well, it will be... right now it's just a 90g WLR).

--Mike

[mysis]

Exactly right, LR and LS both have anerobic bacteria also known as (nitrifying bacteria) so the bacteria in the LR will multiply auntil all the nitrates are gone, then some will start to die off as there is less food (nitrates), then you will reach an equalibrium and the tank will be stable and your nitrates will stay at 0.

Also the tank can have a large cycle and numerous smaller ones, just make sure the cycle(s) have completely finished.

[macphoto]

Exactly right, LR and LS both have anerobic bacteria also known as (nitrifying bacteria) so the bacteria in the LR will multiply auntil all the nitrates are gone, then some will start to die off as there is less food (nitrates), then you will reach an equalibrium and the tank will be stable and your nitrates will stay at 0.
That's awesome! My morning test showed nitrates are now at 5, maybe even 0 (a little hard to tell the difference between those 2 colors).


Also the tank can have a large cycle and numerous smaller ones, just make sure the cycle(s) have completely finished.
Hopefully it will ok... I've already ordered some tank cleaners.

--Mike