Nano Reef Cycled?

[imrlycl3508]

I just setup my 10g nano tank this past week, and have gotten nothing but 0's on all of my tests, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate etc. However im not sure if i truly "cycled" the tank, because im not sure whether this involves adding some type of waste material or something to break down within the tank.

[ElmoC]

If you have 0 nitrates and haven't done a water change or running a skimmer, your tank hasn't even begun to cycle. You need to add an ammonia source to get the cycle started. Pure ammonia can be used. In a 10g, add it a few drops at a time and let it mix and then test. Get it up to around 4ppm and then let it sit. After a while, the ammonia will drop and your nitrates will rise. Nitrites will probably stay zero or close to it. Nitrate is the end result of the nitrogen cycle. You have to remove it with water changes or a skimmer. There are other ways, but those are the main ones.