Is my tank cycled already?

[Sunny]

Well I purchased LR from established tanks from Richie and Phyllis. The tank is running with LR, pumps and powerhead since Sunday June 28th (5 days).

I did my tests today and here is what I am seeing ...

Nitrate - 5PPM
Nitrite - 0
PH - 8.4
Ammonia - 0
Temp - 81 F

Is the tank cycled already? Or is it too early and I am just being impatient?

Waiting .....
Sunny

 

[redfishbluefish]

It certainly helps putting in established rock, but five days.....

Sit back, relax, wait some more.

The general run is going slow wins the race.

If you're in to potentially killing things (I'm not), you can pick up a cheap fish and throw in it there and pray.

 

[ricwilli]

Do a couple more water changes to get the Nitrate down. Be patient.

 

[Buffalowing]

Heh, talked to you on Saturday Sunny, I purchased live rock from Phyl on Saturday as well, put it in the tank after the meeting, I'm running ammonia 0, nitrites 0, nitrates 5, ph: 8.2 my first tank as well. I can't wait to get stuff in but personally am giving it a few weeks. I've seen some really neat stuff on the rock though. A red thin looking type starfish crawled up a rock on the first day, Sunday a 2.5" bristle worm came out of a hole & moved into another & a itsy bitty one as well. (surprised the crap outta me), Monday I noticed 2 what I think are maybe more starfish (I just saw 2 black & white banded tentacles out of a hole, definatly a critter), a white starfish crawled down my glass & onto the sand, and I have 1 featherduster & 1 more that's similiar but has me a bit more concerned (not sure what it is). Also 2 tiny patches of hot pink stuff that's on one rock & slowly getting bigger, no idea what that is. Great rock, wish I had a bit more for a 2.5 gallon that I'm putting together now as well. You have anything neat on yours so far? Only thing I may change on my tank is downgrading 1 Koralia 2 to a Koralia 1, I feel like my tank maybe a maelstrom of flow. (I'm the young guy w/ the red Arsenal soccer jersey from Sat).
-Ian

 

[Sunny]

Hey Ian

I remember talking to you on Saturday. So far I have seen some spiders and that is it. I was not watching the rocks that closely anyways

Someone suggested to do some water changes. I am not sure if we should do water changes when the tank is cycling.

Will keep you posted.

 

[Buffalowing]

I've read conflicting things on the water change during the cycle, I plan to do a small one on Sunday because I plan to add another 3-5 lbs of rock, 4 lbs of sand and swap the pump at that time, figure it's as good a time as any since I'll have my hands in the tank. I have my skimmer running to, it's getting some foam now but the foam doesn't look all that disgusting so I'm happy with that.

 

[Sunny]

Ditto on the skimmer. I now started looking at tank carefully and really, I do have about 5 - 6 white star fish !!! ;D

 

[Johan]

I agree with these guys be patient and never rush into things in this hobby. Also, if your going to do something do it right the first time.

 

[fantom555]

Wait at least a week, probly should wait 2