When Does Cycling Start?

[Brian5000]

I know cycling can take up to a couple months to complete, but how long does it take before I see it start? I've had my tank set up for over a week. Though brown algae prodominates presently, I see other types as well keeping a foothold in the tank (not really sure if that's good). The hitchhikers of my rocks have come out and seem to prosper. Amidst all this, nitrogen in any capacity continues to escape my testing. The rocks had already been well-cured before I bought them. Could it be that they are already established? Or is it still too soon?
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Liver Disorders Forum

 

[Len]

If it's just a week, it might not have even started. Generally about 1-2 weeks in, you'll see ammonia rise, followed by nitrite, then nitrate. Once ammonia and nitrite are zero, you're cycle has completed. I'd wait at least 6 weeks (all the while testing) to confirm the cycle is established. Generally, the longer you wait, the better ... not just for the sake of the cycle, but to give other populations time to establish themselves before introducing predatory animals.

 

[SpicyBalls]

even though the rocks were cured.. if you got them online and had them shipped to you, some die off may have occured..

 

[Anonymous]

You may not see much of a cycle if the rocks were cured and in good condition. I've started tanks with all nice rock and its been quite hardly noticeable. Unfortunately, the amount of time it seems to take for the tank to stabilize enough for sps etc still seems to be just as long.