Originally Posted by Raamiah

Hey all,
I started my tank cycling on Monday and my first tests were about 12 hours after I started it.

My results were:
3/16
SG - 1.022 (need a refractometer not trusting the hydrometer)
pH - 7.8
ammonia - .25-.5
nitrites - 0
nitrates 0

3/18
SG - 1.022
pH - 7.8
ammonia - .5
nitrites - 2
nitrates - 0

I have about 12 lbs of live rock in there and some used sand that most likely had some dead stuff in it (found hermit shells and a frag in the sand as I washed it clean). I know this probably had plenty of ammonia in it to help get the process started but should I be getting nitrite readings so soon or could I have checked the tube too soon? It was clearly not the light blue the API marine test kit would show if it were at 0 like it was the other day.

Anyway, anyone have any thoughts or ideas on the matter?

Originally Posted by Raamiah

Thanks for the input. I just always heard that the cycle would take about a month so I was just completely confused when I saw nitrites already. I think I will give the tank a long time before I add anything because I want the coralline algae to grow over the dead/base rock. Is there anything I can do/add to put helpful creatures in the tank that would inhabit the rock? The rock I got was cured by a guy in San Diego so I have no idea what is in it. I am just trying to do things right the first time around.

Originally Posted by Raamiah

I was thinking of micro organisms but someone said that they will just appear through the process.

My readings are more normal now. I guess I should have just waited but I was freaking out because I don't want to mess it up.