Tank Cycling

[Yankees9191]

Hey Everyone

I've been running my 16g with 20lbs of LS and 25lbs of LR...I have never seen my ammonia reach more then 1 ppm...now the ammonia is at 0, the nitrites are at .5 and my nitrates are at 20...arent the ammonia levels suppose to reach higher then 1ppm during a cycle? That seems very low to me.

[Yankees9191]

Also, my ph is testing lower then id like...at 8.0...are ph tests inaccurate during the cycle?

[qwik]

I think it will help you get a better answer if you add the following info .
How long has it been in cycle mode ?
Was rock pre-cured (how long)? from an established system ? Or un-cured?
Same questions for sand .
What type of filtration are you using during cycle ? Protein skimmer ? Flow ?
How many and size of water changes during cycle ?

Sorry I cant give you an answer but thought this would help the next person who does, Paul

[Yankees9191]

Tank was cycling for 2 weeks with live sand
Rock was pre cured but was shipped so some die off occurred but has only been in my tank for 5 days
i got 2 Korolia 1s running and running a skimmer as well
I have not done any water changes yet