Started cycling on January 29 and my parameter numbers are confusing me

[jkim047]

Here's some relevant information:

• Tank - IM 20g Peninsula
• Sand - CaribSea Arag-Alive Special Grade Reef Sand (~15 lbs)
• Rock - CaribSea Life Rock (~20 lbs)

Below are my cycle numbers since Saturday. I tested with a non-expired Red Sea Marine Care Test Kit. No bacteria additives, just water, rock and salt. I'm confused because I thought ammonia levels would be high only 3 days in and nitrite should rise as ammonia decreases. Granted, the numbers could be slightly off because Red Sea tests are Colorimetric. Would appreciate your thoughts.

Date	Temp	Salinity	Ph	Ammonia	Nitrite	Nitrate
1/29/2022	78.0°	34	8.1	0.30	Didn't test	Didn't test
1/30/2022	77.8°	33	8.2	0.20	0.00	Didn't test
1/31/2022	77.7°	35	8.2	0.10	0.00	0.00

 

[Jekyl]

Did you add any type of ammonia source at least?

 

[Bribo12]

Did you add any type of ammonia source at least?

+1
Usually it takes a week or so of high ammonia levels (2+) to start seeing it converted to nitrite. The nitrite phase is usually the longest phase. You’ll definitely want to add an ammonia source if you haven’t yet.

 

[jkim047]

+1
Usually it takes a week or so of high ammonia levels (2+) to start seeing it converted to nitrite. The nitrite phase is usually the longest phase. You’ll definitely want to add an ammonia source if you haven’t yet.

I guess that would explain it. I thought any decaying organics from the live sand would be sufficient.

 

[Jekyl]

I guess that would explain it. I thought any decaying organics from the live sand would be sufficient.

Toss a good pinch of fish flakes in there or a piece of raw shrimp.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I would not assume live sand is going to start a substantial ammonia cycle.