Newbie in need of direction

[djbarnes88]

I have had my tank up and running since January 10th. That is when I used the forbidden tapwater (I didn't know any better) and added about 70 lbs of Live Sand to my 90 Gallon (I will be getting more sand). Exactly one week ago I added 50 lbs of Figi LR. I tested my tank today expecting to find it in the middle of the "cycle" and this is what I found:
Nitrite: 0 PH: 8.1 or 8.2
Ammonia: 0 Alk: 250.6 PPM//14 dkh
Nitrate 5 Calcium: 400 PPM
Temp: 78 degrees SG: 1.0235
---My question is this, Is it possible that my tank has cycled this quickly?
---Our next step is to order 30lbs of base rock from www.hirocks.com and 20lbs of TBS LR and some TBS live sand, should I do this now or wait a little longer?
---I currently have B-Ionic and I plan to get some Epsom salt and Pickling lime as supplements, when should I start adding the supplements.
We plan on starting with a few fish and that adding some softies.For those of you that were concerned earlier I ordered my RO/DI last night.

 

[Len]

It's possible your cycle has been established, but it's also possible it hasn't even begun No matter what, I'd wait a good 8 weeks before I tried stocking a new tank. This hobby can really try one's patience Have you tested nitrites? If NO2 reads zero as well, my guess is your tank is probably cycled.

If you're planning on a Pacific reef tank, I'd stick with Fiji rock instead of TBS rock and sand. I'd add the additional rock and sand now (or at least weeks before you start stocking) since after you add fresh LR and LS, your tank will undergo another mini-cycle.

As for supplements, I'd wait on the Epsom and Pickling lime until after the need arises. It's a good idea to test your tank for Mg and Ca to make sure you need either instead of adding blindly. Softies don't use much of either, so you may not have to add any.

 

[Lostmind]

I'd add base rock sooner rather then later so it gets populated with life a little quicker.

your cycle could be finishing up - especially if your first batch of rock was partially cured, but adding new live rock will definitely start another cycle...

Two tips

buy ro/di unit - it makes a big difference!

go slow... adding livestock too quickly is like gambling...

 

[Anonymous]

I agree with Len here....test for Nitrites.