Cycle help.

[Commguy29]

Ok, my ammonia has been at 0 for about 2 weeks, my Nitrites have been at 0 for about a week and a half, and my Nitrates have been stuck on 30 for about a week. I'm going to do a 10 gallon change tomorrow and hopefully see nitrates go down. I've been cycling for about 35 days and the rock came out of a completely established tank (thanks again juandean) The tank is a 55gallon and I've got about 75 pounds of live rock and 60 pounds of sand. A small refugium in the sump with Cheato.

The question, is it "safe" to add a fish after the water change? Also, do you add all the fish, then start adding coral, or is it the other way around. Start with coral and then move into the fish? I've heard both, and want to do it right. Thanks a bunch for the help.

[cgoodman381]

Did you ever see a cycle while you were testing? j/w

Your probably fine to add your cuc(if you hav't already) then some fish/coral. Sounds like you have a great setup also!

As far as fish and coral, I havn't heard it either way. The only thing some might say is that your nitrates may be a little high for some more sensative corals, but fine for some hardier LPS. With a 10% water change you won't really see a drop on your nitrates, maybe do a couple 10% or a larger 25% or so.

[Stoker]

It's The Sand Catching Up.... I'd Do A 20 Gallon Change And Take "The Plunge" So To Speak....

[Stoker]

Are You Running Carbon??

[Commguy29]

Cgoodman,
not really a "full" cycle, more of a mini cycle. I did put some mysis in the tank a few times to get the bio rolling. I have added 5 turbo's and 5 hermits. I figure I'll add more each time I add more live stock. I didn't want to add the whole C.U.C. because I didn't think they would have enough to eat.

Stoker,
Yea, I've got carbon in.

Looks like it is a 20 gallon change and a fish time.

[Sherman]

Yep, I'd say you're on top of it. WC, CUC, fish. Don't forget to plan out your fish for the final community, and add them in the appropriate order. Timid fish first, aggressive fish last.