Any way to test I’ve cycled

[sesbalders]

Hey everyone

I’ve been cycling my new to me 275l cube for about 8 weeks. I had the sump cycling for about 4 weeks before that without the tank filled.

filled the tank, added some dried live rock (moan for another thread) and Carib sea live sand then added some food.

I’ve had some really odd test results initially ammonia sat dead steady at 0.25 for about 2 weeks, slowly climbed to about 0.5 for a week, dropped the week after and has been sat at 0.25 ever since. It is an API test so I know they are not exactly accurate.

is there any way I can test to see if I have cycled other than test kits?

 

[Dan_P]

Hey everyone

I’ve been cycling my new to me 275l cube for about 8 weeks. I had the sump cycling for about 4 weeks before that without the tank filled.

filled the tank, added some dried live rock (moan for another thread) and Carib sea live sand then added some food.

I’ve had some really odd test results initially ammonia sat dead steady at 0.25 for about 2 weeks, slowly climbed to about 0.5 for a week, dropped the week after and has been sat at 0.25 ever since. It is an API test so I know they are not exactly accurate.

is there any way I can test to see if I have cycled other than test kits?

Only way is to test. You can test for nitrite production rather than ammonia consumption if you find ammonia test results confusing.

When ammonia was added, did nitrite concentration increase?

 

[sesbalders]

Again very slightly to between 0-0.25

 

[sesbalders]

Nitrite was tested today at 0

 

[Nman]

Have you got a nitrate reading showing yet

 

[sesbalders]

Ah haaaaaa I didn’t earlier on today but I read somewhere to whack the bottle around and I’ve got a result now 40ppm

 

[Nman]

Have you put a cuc in yet . If you have a good nitrate reading I would say it would be cycled. But go slowly when adding fish one then wait a couple of weeks and if everything ok add another one but I would start with small clean up crew . This is only my opinion . Salfert test kit are the ones you want for a reliable test . This is what I do with api test kit

 

[sesbalders]

Have you put a cuc in yet . If you have a good nitrate reading I would say it would be cycled. But go slowly when adding fish one then wait a couple of weeks and if everything ok add another one but I would start with small clean up crew . This only my opinion

I’ve had clean up crew for the past few weeks, couple of hermits and some ceriths. It’s a transfer from a 50 ltr tank, Im on holiday the weeks after next so nothing more is happening until I get back.
Understand now I’ve got a proper nitrate reading but thanks for your help!

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

I’ve had clean up crew for the past few weeks, couple of hermits and some ceriths. It’s a transfer from a 50 ltr tank, Im on holiday the weeks after next so nothing more is happening until I get back.
Understand now I’ve got a proper nitrate reading but thanks for your help!

If your cuc is still alive, then you don't have toxic levels of ammonia. Inverts are more sensitive than fish. Congratulations, you're cycled!