Ammonia keeps going up? Tank is 3 month cycling

[Webbey]

Hi My tank has been Cycling for now 6 weeks i did a test at my local store numbers started looking good MG 1100, AMMO 0.7, NITRITE 0.3, NITRATE 0, AND PH7.8 DATE 23/07/2024
told to add KH and let it cycle for 1 week

As of today, 5/08/2024, the numbers are starting to look good, but I noticed a spike in Ammo to 1.0. However, I've taken proactive steps to address this, and other areas look okay: PH 7.9, Ca477, MG 1174, nitrite 0.5, Nitrate 0.0. This reassures me that I'm on the right track.

I have no Skimmer on, No Lights, and a filter sock only, and I did a big water change 3 weeks in due to dosing Ammo, then got it back to under 2.0 when I started the cycle again, but now it is going back up? 1.0
Tank TEMP IS 26.5 - 27.5

Can anyone tell me why it went up?

 

[FishOfHex]

Stop dosing ammo and stop doing water changes. Once you see nitrites on the test you already have 1/2 the cycle complete. Now wait for the nitrates to show up. In my opinion, doing water changes during a cycle to micro-manage Ammo just prolongs the process. Personally id add a pinch of flake food and wait it out.

 

[Webbey]

Thanks, i stopped dosing Ammo over 4 weeks ago numbers one on 1st test said it was all good need PH to come up now I have a spike in Ammo when no foods are added or anything but KH 0.25ml

 

[brandon429]

How to unstick any seemingly stuck cycle

Updated Cycling Science in Action This is a testless reef tank cycling thread, the only one from any board. If you ever had trouble with reef tank cycling in the past, you won't any longer after working some jobs with us. chances are you are using/about to use a method of reef tank cycling...

www.reef2reef.com

Based on that giant thread of tanks just like yours, is your cycle done or stuck

 

[brandon429]

Post a tank pic let's see the rocks

 

[vetteguy53081]

Hi My tank has been Cycling for now 6 weeks i did a test at my local store numbers started looking good MG 1100, AMMO 0.7, NITRITE 0.3, NITRATE 0, AND PH7.8 DATE 23/07/2024
told to add KH and let it cycle for 1 week

As of today, 5/08/2024, the numbers are starting to look good, but I noticed a spike in Ammo to 1.0. However, I've taken proactive steps to address this, and other areas look okay: PH 7.9, Ca477, MG 1174, nitrite 0.5, Nitrate 0.0. This reassures me that I'm on the right track.

I have no Skimmer on, No Lights, and a filter sock only, and I did a big water change 3 weeks in due to dosing Ammo, then got it back to under 2.0 when I started the cycle again, but now it is going back up? 1.0
Tank TEMP IS 26.5 - 27.5

Can anyone tell me why it went up?

I suggested to take a water sample to a store that does NOT use Api kits and have them test your ammonia and nitrates and compare readings- then you'll know where your levels truly are at. This is originally an API test now by Lamotte that gives mixed results sometimes true and sometimes false.

 

[Webbey]

Post a tank pic let's see the rocks

 

[Webbey]

I suggested to take a water sample to a store that does NOT use Api kits and have them test your ammonia and nitrates and compare readings- then you'll know where your levels truly are at. This is originally an API test now by Lamotte that gives mixed results sometimes true and sometimes false.

Ok, Did not think of that as he a very well trusted Pet store in my area

 

[brandon429]

From that big thread: this tank also has visual benthic growth clues in place, a certainly- cycled tank. Added to the thread as a false stall/ cycle completed without factoring the tests. Spin touch readouts on here from prior threads aren't accurate. Plus they're reading in nh4, you need to convert to to nh3 to see the ammonia is at safe levels

The tank pic confirms it regardless of what any test kit says, this cycle is done.

 

[Webbey]

I like some feedback from the replyer please this is my tank number now! am i right to say my tank is done and ready for Coral and Fish?

 

[brandon429]

We covered your cycle was done weeks ago

Remember to read the fish disease forum to avoid killing new fish by skipping disease preps

Your tank is ready when you have a disease plan in place
It was ready to carry fish weeks ago, those tests don't factor.

 

[Webbey]

We covered your cycle was done weeks ago

Remember to read the fish disease forum to avoid killing new fish by skipping disease preps

Your tank is ready when you have a disease plan in place
It was ready to carry fish weeks ago, those tests don't factor.

Thank you. My local Fish shop, which deals only with Saltwater fish, told me that my KH is not ready yet.
Before I add fish, should I start the Skimmer and Light system for a Day before adding Fish?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Thank you. My local Fish shop, which deals only with Saltwater fish, told me that my KH is not ready yet.
Before I add fish, should I start the Skimmer and Light system for a Day before adding Fish?

The alk (6.9 dKH) is perfectly fine for fish. It's actually higher than the ocean average.

But boosting it is also fine. A little baking soda will do it. I recommend 7-11 dKH.

Here's a calculator:

Reef Chemistry Calculator

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Yes, turn on skimmer. Lighting is up to you.