could i have missed my cycle?

gaubow · 09-08-2004, 09:03 PM

it's been a month since I added 90 pounds of live rock to my 90 gallon tank. one week before that I added one boiled shrimp to start the cycle.

I had readings of ammonia but only about .4 mg/l. which is about half way up on my aquarium systems green plastic "chart".

Only a trace of Nitrites, and still no nitrates.

I should note that I am using a tank that I had set up for over two years and had to take down for about 6 months. I am using the same protein skimmer pumps, etc.

I am having a huge outbreak of hair algae, but I think that is because I have never had mh lights and am getting used to the light cycle?

Any advice would be appreciated. Could I add a green chromis?

LuckyInk · 09-08-2004, 10:12 PM

LOL!! Sorry, the title threw me off!

BoomerD · 09-08-2004, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Sorry, the title threw me off!

LOL!! Me too. I remember my wife saying something like that almost 30 yrs ago...

mps9506 · 09-08-2004, 11:36 PM

That hair algae is probably eating up all the nutrients as they are being produced. My recomendation would be to remove as much algae as possible and see if you have a spike in nitrates.
Mike

gaubow · 09-08-2004, 11:55 PM

Yeah, I tried to attract some attention with the title. I'll try and get rid of the hair algae tomorrow and then wait a day or two to see what tests say. Thanks

Maxx · 09-09-2004, 12:17 AM

Yup, the title of this nabbed another one.....
The fact that you have algae means your cycle has come and gone.....The ammonia cycle briefly......Ammonia ---> Nitrite ----> Nitrate. Algae wont grow w/o nitrate and phosphate.....
Congratulations....
Nick

09-08-2004, 09:03 PM	#1 (permalink)
gaubow Star Polyps Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: chicagoland Posts: 161 View Gallery Karma Komment	could i have missed my cycle? it's been a month since I added 90 pounds of live rock to my 90 gallon tank. one week before that I added one boiled shrimp to start the cycle. I had readings of ammonia but only about .4 mg/l. which is about half way up on my aquarium systems green plastic "chart". Only a trace of Nitrites, and still no nitrates. I should note that I am using a tank that I had set up for over two years and had to take down for about 6 months. I am using the same protein skimmer pumps, etc. I am having a huge outbreak of hair algae, but I think that is because I have never had mh lights and am getting used to the light cycle? Any advice would be appreciated. Could I add a green chromis?

09-08-2004, 10:12 PM	#2 (permalink)
LuckyInk Reef Painter Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 565 View Gallery Karma Komment	LOL!! Sorry, the title threw me off! __________________ When you can feel the humidity pouring off the canvas and the salt spray on your face, my job is done.

09-08-2004, 11:36 PM	#4 (permalink)
mps9506 Totally stoked dude Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Wilmington, NC Posts: 7,518 View Gallery Karma Komment	That hair algae is probably eating up all the nutrients as they are being produced. My recomendation would be to remove as much algae as possible and see if you have a spike in nitrates. Mike __________________ Mike "The Bandwith Bandit" Help Build Reefpedia Premium Membership Available! Support Reef Sanctuary Sponsors

09-09-2004, 12:17 AM	#6 (permalink)
Maxx Manta Ray Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: St Louis Mo Posts: 3,079 View Gallery Karma Komment	Yup, the title of this nabbed another one..... The fact that you have algae means your cycle has come and gone.....The ammonia cycle briefly......Ammonia ---> Nitrite ----> Nitrate. Algae wont grow w/o nitrate and phosphate..... Congratulations.... Nick __________________ "Chaos, confusion, despair...my work is done here." ...Some guy named Murphy.... A good friend will come and bail you out of jail...but, a true friend will be sitting next to you saying, "Damn...that was fun!" Reef Sanctuary Knowledgebase (Answers to all your questions and then some!)

09-08-2004, 11:55 PM	#5 (permalink)
gaubow Star Polyps Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: chicagoland Posts: 161 View Gallery Karma Komment	Yeah, I tried to attract some attention with the title. I'll try and get rid of the hair algae tomorrow and then wait a day or two to see what tests say. Thanks

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