jsouyias

Today we saw a huge spike in our ammonia levels (3.0 PPM) and the water is cloudy (was crystal clear previously) and smells bad. Is this normal? We are on day 5 of a fishless start-up cycle in a 29 gallon tank. We've got 40 lbs of live rock in there that was already cured. Any advice is appreciated. Cheers!

sirdarksol

It sounds to me like the live rock is going through a die-off. Even cured live rock can do this. Shouldn't have any problems, unless the ammonia stays at that level or higher for an extended period of time. I would think that, with live rock in the mix, your ammonia levels should start dropping in a week, maybe faster.

sgould

Every cycle is different, so no guarantees, BUT...I cycled 2 tanks with live rock and both finished in 12-14 days.

jsouyias

What about the cloudyness. Is that normal?

cerianthus

Ya! leave it alone. It should clear up soon!. Could add extra pump/pH for more circulation which should aid in survival of creatures (many sleepless night with IR/flashlight trying to see what's there) on the rocks. Change the direction of flow from time to time to make sure there are less dead zone.
Some people will use mechanical filter media to have water clear up but this can remove good amount of microfauna which is needed to achieve well balanced MINIREEF.
Add carbon in fltration if desired to lessen the odor. May need truckful loads depending on the condition of rocks received. LOL

sirdarksol

Yes. Dying stuff fuels a sudden bacterial bloom. The bacteria try to colonize surfaces, but they're growing so fast that some become free-floating.

jsouyias

Ok, Today thinkgs are looking up. The ammonia has dropped to 1.0 ppm and the Nitrites have risen. Once the ammonia and nitrites get to 0 and the nitrates shop up I will do a partial water change and get some clean-up crew in the tank. Cheers to all.