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#2
04-21-2011, 03:26 AM
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After reading chandigz's post, I think he makes some good points. I guess the whole point of a cycle is that things are out if balance. In my experience, I've only ever detected nitrite in a quarantine tank with no live rock, but it is definitely there and plays a critical role in the nitrogen cycle. There is no nitrate without nitrite first. Understanding the role of nitrite is important although Im still not sure that it's worth testing for?
- Brad 
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#3
04-22-2011, 08:39 AM
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+1 on the raw shrimp method.
Asides from not harming any fish, it's also kind of cool to watch (even if you're really just 'visualizing the process in your head) the establishment of a complete bacterial ecosystem from the decomposition of something you'd throw out after a cocktail party. I think the bacteria in filters and live rocks are half the reason I think fish tanks are so cool. The conversion of sterile substrate to a living, breathing, life support system is mind bogglingly awesome. Can't wait to get to turn a whole bunch of fossilized, million year old marco rock back in to the beating heart of an active reef.
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#4
04-23-2011, 12:49 AM
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Years ago, when I started my first tank, I did daily tests on Ammonia, nitrite and nitrate during start up. I graphed the results and you do get a very distinct spike of Amm and nitrite during the cycle. IME, the nitrite spike was very short lived (like, 1 or 2 days).
That was followed by a rise in nitrate, which was more stable.
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400 gal reef. Established April, 2007. 3 Sequence Dart, RM12-4 skimmer, 2 x OM4Ways, Yellow Tang, Maroon Clown (pair), Blonde Naso Tang, Vlamingi Tang, Foxface Rabbit, Unicorn Tang, 2 Pakistani Butterflies and a few coral gobies My Tank: http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=28436
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