Cycling New Tank

[karaim]

I have had my live rock for a little less than 1 month now.

About 2 weeks ago, my Nitrite was 10 and my ammonia was about 1. Today, my Nitrite is 0 but my ammonia is around .5.

My question is why is there still ammonia? Doesn't the cycle get rid of the Ammonia first and then Nitrite; so if there is no Nitrite, there should be any ammonia. Or is it that I have stuff dying off inside the rock that keeps producing the ammonia? If so does this mean I will have several more smaller cycles?

Thanks

 

[SkiFletch]

Probably still have stuff dying in there. Have you had an LFS or other local fishkeeper verify your results?

 

[xxBarneyxx]

Yes normally the ammonia will drop off before the nitrite (thats what has happened most of the time I have cycled a tank). However it wont always happen this way, its a natrual process so sometimes the Bacteria that break down the ammonia dont develop so fast.

It could be that there is some die off in the LR as well like you said. I would just leave it awhile longer and see what happens.

Also it might be worth checking it with another test kit as it could be clear and the test kit is at fault.