No Ammonia/Nitrite spike when cycling LR

[mwanttie]

Hi, I am a newbie to reef keeping and I have been researching for about a year. I am finally setting up my tank with the following specs:

125 gallon (only half full right now until the LR cures)
4 X 96 watt CSL lights (4 - 5 hours per day)
Turboflotor Multi protein skimmer
2 powersweep powerheads
RO/DI water


Temp 80.5
pH 8.2
Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate ~5

One week ago I added 45 lbs of cured Fiji LR and 80 lbs of uncured Caribbean LR that I ordered on line (2 day shipping). I have been waiting for an Ammonia spike but it hasn't happened and now my nitrate is going up. I expected this to take much longer. BTW, I have had very little die off and the rock looks great (really nice colors). I planned on doing a 50% water change today.

Could the lack of Ammonia/Nitrite spike be from the cured live rock?

[skeety]

I think they need to update books on Saltwater tanks!

This happened to me a month ago, and over that month, I've seen about 10 other peopel post similar happenings.

With me, it had a lot to do with my rock already being cured (and I didn't know it), as well as my tap water already containing quite a bit of Nitrates.

If you've had your tank up for a week, and haven't seen an ammonia spike, you should be alright. But I'd still lean on the side of caution. If you're asking cause you want to add fish...add the heartier ones now (and no more that 2 or 3), and wait a few days...see what happens. If the levels still zero out...then you're good. If you see the spike, then wait for the cycle to end.

[mwanttie]

I'm not planning on adding anything for another 3-6 weeks. I just expected a much longer cycle time. I figure I have waited this long I don't want to rush it now.

[Geoff]

sounds like you are on your way to getting your tank set. just let it sit for a couple of months then you can put some critters in there. do not add fish to help with the cycling, they do not help. the LR has more critters in it that will produce enough wastes to keep the tank going. adding fish will just add problems later.

use these 2 months to practice what is necessary in keeping a tank up and running. water changes, skimmer cleaning, salinity checks.

it takes time to set up a marine aquarium. do not rush it, you will only make it harder on yourself in the long run.

G~

[bgi]

I setup two reef tanks in the past couple of years. Neither had any ammonia or nitrite spikes. The LR in both cases was well cured. It happens.

[mwanttie]

I am planning on using a 50/50 mix of CC & Araganite. At what stage during lr curing should I add that?