Parameters??

P

piglet007

AC Members
Mar 8, 2005
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How do these sound, do I need to do anything? In the cycling phase.
1.022
ph 8.2
Ammonia .25
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 20
temp is at 78 now.

What exactly am I looking for in regards to the end of the cycling. Everythign to spike? Then go down? My nitrites haven't went up at all. Also, what should the calcium level be, mine is at 300.
 
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umm ammonia goes up first, then nitrites, then nitrates. then ammonia levels go down, followed by nitrites, then nitrates go down a little bit, but i think to get rid of the nitrates you just do a large water change (the volume of water you replace depends on the amount of nitrates you have left at the end of the cycle.) i think a tank is cycled when the ammonia and ntrite levels are 0, and the nitrate levels are below 20. some one else with more experience might be able to correct me if im wrong as im still learning too. with your nitrites being 0 i would think that maybe your test kit isnt working right? how long has the tank been setup and what have you used to start the cycle progress? anyway, have fun with your new hobby, hope youve got heaps of money just sitting around waiting to be spent!its very addictive! :dance :soda:
 
The tank has only been set up three weeks. I started cycling it with Damsels and then added live rock. The ammonia has gone up and back down then back up, the nitrates and have pretty much done the same. My nitrites haven't moved at all. . Yeah, I am loaded so I dont' worry about the money too much..LOL j/k We were given the tank and the most expensive so far was the tank decor. The actual start up wasn't too bad for us. We bought an additional filter so we have two running and two heaters as it is next to sliding glass doors in my back room that tends to be the coldest in the house. I still haven't gotton a specific answer as tot he temp that I should keep it at. I've read from 76 to 82/84 but I think 84 is too high and right now it is about 78
 
The ammonia is the biggie in SW. The tank will be cycled--for the bio-load of those damsels, no more--when the ammonia and nitrites are stable at 0. The nitrates will be lowered with water changes--the bacteria that will reduce nitrates are slow to develop. The nitrites tend to be stubborn--they'll usually show, but sometimes not in the 'right' order. As long as the levels of ammonia are kept low, you might end up with the cycle completing without any huge spikes.

For calcium and other parameters: http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.htm
 
Thanks for the link orion. I have been reading for days now, pretty much all day. I'm trying not to ask too many questions without first reading up on it, but some things still seem to confuse me. Also, you suggested I look in the toady (?) group instead of the puffer group. I cannot find anything when I search for this. Could you link me?
 
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