New guy cycle question.

[HollywoodFish]

New guy here.

29 gal Biocube

I made saltwater with RODI water and Instant Ocean Salt, and added a bag of Natures Ocean live sand. After letting it circulate for 2 weeks, I added 20 # of "A Purple Reef" live rock. I have been adding Seachem Stability also (one cap a day for one week)

Its been 2 weeks with the water and sand, and another 2 weeks with the rock. What is my next step? My salt level is 1.025, ammonia is at 0, nitrate 0, and nitrite 0. Did I do something wrong? Did it cycle? I don't want to add any fish if its not safe.

I apologize for lack of experience. Ive had freshwater tanks for years, tis is my first shot at salt.

Thanks

 

[joines77]

Did you ever see a spike in ammonia and nitrites?

[Elizabeth94]

It's weird that you don't have any nitrates. You need to feed the bacteria with ammonia so they can build a colony.

 

From that you will get nitrites and ultimately nitrates, which go away with water changes. Add some pure ammonia or fish food to get started.

[ReefWeeds]

It isn't surprising you don't have nitrates as you didn't put anything in to fuel the bacteria. you need to either put some ammonium chloride in or some food to ensure that you biofilter is establishing. Without anything to fuel ammonia, there's nothing for your bacteria to "eat" or break down.

[HollywoodFish]

I havent added anyting else, I was under the assumpion that the live sand would trigger the cycle and get the ammonia started.

[ReefWeeds]

I havent added anyting else, I was under the assumpion that the live sand would trigger the cycle and get the ammonia started.

The live sand will help with the breakdown of ammonia as it has the bacteria seeded in it, but you still need to add an ammonia source.