I've had many tanks but ive started every single one with live rock so this time around i had to do a lot of research and i feel like im on the right track with this but just want to hear some feeback from some experts in here. Ive cycled about half my rock for about 2 weeks prior to getting the new tank thats been up for a little over a week now. I realize starting the rock early probably didnt have a huge advantage since it was only half but i was getting antsy to get rolling.
Sat - I decided to add a little ammonia to get the ball rolling faster and got it to 3ppm. later on I then dosed fritz turbostart 900.
Sun - i tested and was down to 2.2ppm ammonia and nitrites were at 200ppb and ph was 7.3 ( wasnt sure if i should test it for sure or not but i got a new hanna checker so had to try it out and looks like cycling 7-8 is acceptable? )
As far as i can tell this is good right? i expected the ammonia to go down a littel faster but i also know there are other factors that can make it take 3-4 days not a true 24 hour cycle like it says it can be.
Im going to check again today to see what readings are or should i wait another day or 2 just to see what it does? I read a little extra dose of the turbostart would help it go a little faster but im always leary of adding more. I'm in no hurry to get fish in as i want it to be right but im trying to learn as much about this process as i go since ive never gotten the chance to to start a brand new fresh tank with dry rock.
Summary - just making sure im on the right track and if there is anything else i should look into!
Sat - I decided to add a little ammonia to get the ball rolling faster and got it to 3ppm. later on I then dosed fritz turbostart 900.
Sun - i tested and was down to 2.2ppm ammonia and nitrites were at 200ppb and ph was 7.3 ( wasnt sure if i should test it for sure or not but i got a new hanna checker so had to try it out and looks like cycling 7-8 is acceptable? )
As far as i can tell this is good right? i expected the ammonia to go down a littel faster but i also know there are other factors that can make it take 3-4 days not a true 24 hour cycle like it says it can be.
Im going to check again today to see what readings are or should i wait another day or 2 just to see what it does? I read a little extra dose of the turbostart would help it go a little faster but im always leary of adding more. I'm in no hurry to get fish in as i want it to be right but im trying to learn as much about this process as i go since ive never gotten the chance to to start a brand new fresh tank with dry rock.
Summary - just making sure im on the right track and if there is anything else i should look into!
