Help my tank won't cycle!

Kiwi

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Feb 5, 2003
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Hi! I am anew marine aquarist and need ssoooo much help! The first thing is that my tank has been set up for 4-5 weeks and it won't "cycle". I have not changed the water only topped it up and have been scrapping off all the brown and green mold on the glass yet the amonia alert,nitrite and nitrate tests show still no sign of cycling. If you can help please do! I will give more info as to what is in tank equipement and livestock wise if needed.
 
I filled with water and balanced salt then a few days later added argonite (or whatever you call it)not live. Then 2 weeks later added a live rock and 3 damsels. then after 5 weeks added another live rock and 5 blue legged crabs. Did I do something wrong? I was told that it was the 3 damsels and the food you feed the tank that would cycle it.
 
Sort of...The tank will cycle to support the bio-load that is present. So, since you added a small bioload with cured live rock, the ammonia has never spiked. If you were to add a large waste producing fish, you'd probably see a quick spike. So, your tank has cycled, just without any big spikes.

If you don't intend to keep the damsels, I'd get them out now. Pesky buggers, and they won't take kindly to any tankmates.
 
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