Update!
I checked my parameters today:
Ammonia: 0.25 ppm
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: 5 ppm
Never had a cycle like this one before. It's probably because I've always used LFS live rock which had fair amounts of die off. First time I had a 33g tank my cycle took at least 3 weeks. I've never had nitrates this fast before but I think I'm getting close.
I stopped by local store Pisces with my girlfriend and they had a Tarantula Day! We ended up learning about tarantulas and we both got to pet/hold one. Pretty cool! Love when stores host events like these.
I would have preferred my NH3 to be nil before adding anything I've been getting a bit antsy so I ended up picking up a cerith snail and red scarlet hermit. They settled in well.
My plan was to start the tank as bare bottom but I decided to take the plunge. I added half a bag (10lb bag) of Caribsea Arag-alive Reef Sand for a 1" sandbed, threw in some carbon and the tank cleared up in a couple hours.
I'll get down to getting creative with the aquascape tomorrow. Can't wait!
