Tank Cycling, Need Help PLEASE

Damselino · 11-23-2006, 12:35 AM

Four days ago I started cycling my 40 gallon tank with 75lbs. of uncured live rock. My ammonia spiked to about 8ppm but have not done a water change to lower it since I wasnt sure, after reading posts here, it seems to prolong the cycling time. Today I added a product that contains live nitrifying bacteria which said it would help lower my ammonia and nitrite levels naturally and help seed my biological filter. Have I done anything wrong here or is normal to get this spike in just 4 days? I just wanted to get started with a strong foundation for my biological filter but I feel I messed up already on this.

Any feed back would trully help. Thanks a lot guys.

dobejazz · 11-23-2006, 02:26 AM

I think you are OK just be patient You probably have a good 8 weeks of cycling with uncured live rock

. I didn't even test my water for 2 months when I set up the big tank.

combiemaster · 11-23-2006, 02:34 AM

yeah uncured LR will take twice as long to cycle out. BTW dobejazz you daughter is getting so big

Damselino · 11-23-2006, 03:52 AM

Thanks for the quick response guys, so u guys think I didnt mess up by adding the live nitrifying bacteria? Im not going to add anything else but I kinda do regret adding the stuff now. Is this going to cause any problems in the long run or mess with the cycle?

dobejazz · 11-23-2006, 07:31 AM

You will be fine !

Thanks Combie

Damselino · 11-24-2006, 12:29 PM

Oh and another question. Am I extending the cycle by blowing sand off the uncured live rock or is nothing affected by this? I am running carbon and phosban in the canister rated at 350gph, 2 hagen aquacleared rated at 270gph each. Is that enough flow? Its a 40 gallon tank. Planning on getting an aqua c skimmer in two weeks. Thanks

Damselino · 11-25-2006, 12:34 AM

Anyone????????????????????

Spanky · 11-25-2006, 06:45 PM

Blowing off the live rock will not bother or change anything.
I wouldn't use the carbon and phosban right now though.
Just keep plenty of circulation going, don't add anything, and let it cure on it's own.

Hondadude2k5 · 11-26-2006, 10:33 AM

Also put the skimmer on the tank as soon as you get it. A cycling tank and uncured live rock is gonna produce a good amount of muck.

Damselino · 11-27-2006, 11:44 AM

Thanks for all the responses guys