[squiggz98]

I am cycling my first 65gal tank i have LR and LS and my ammonia and nitrite are now at 0ppm. My nitrite has been at zero for about 5 days but my nitrate is over 80 is this normal for it to be so high right now. If this is correct how much longer do you think it has so i have a time frame to judge with. Also i have read that i should do a water change now to help speed up this process. Is that true? thank you for your help. One day i will figure out this cycling thing

[Reefland]

Yes it is completely normal for the nitrates to get very high as the cycling process continues. Since the ammonia and nitrite are at 0, you could do a small water change but I would give it another week before I started. I would say another 2-3 weeks and your cycle will probably be completed.

[squiggz98]

Thank you so much for that i have been having a hell of a time with this. i am just so glad to hear that i am finally going in the right direction.

[Reefland]

As you start to get towards the end of your cycle, when the nitrates start dropping considerably, you should consider adding some snails to help with any algae blooms that may occur.