Newbie Alert! Am I Doing This Right?

[ChloeB]

Hey everyone, I'm new to reefing. Currently having my 5 gallon tank cycling for about 2 weeks now.
Current levels:
Nitrate - 20
Nitrite - 0.5 - 1
pH - 8.4
Phosphate - 0.25 - 0
Ammonia - 0.25 - 0.50
Temp - 77
& Starting to grow brown spots in the sand


I know my tank isnt done cycling but I just wanted to know am I heading in the right directions?
Also any tips is welcomed!

 

[elorablue]

Yup, you're just getting the start of diatoms (the brown spots). They'll spread and be pretty ugly for a bit but it's all good!

 

[Gedxin]

Definitely headed in the right direction! I'd say you're very nearly there given your water params.

One concern I have though is about that rock. It's not very porpous, which kind is it? You may want to think about swapping out for some macro rock ASAP to increase surface area.

 

[ChloeB]

Definitely headed in the right direction! I'd say you're very nearly there given your water params.

One concern I have though is about that rock. It's not very porpous, which kind is it? You may want to think about swapping out for some macro rock ASAP to increase surface area.

Not 100% sure what type of rock it is. I got it from my local reef store (absolutely fish in NJ). I believe its a holey rock or honeycomb limestone. But not 100% sure.