Amonia and Nitrite Questions

[DiSkuStiNg]

I am currently starting a 75 gallon reef aquarium. I have been cycling the tank with damsels and a couple live rock for about 2 weeks. I took out the damsels because I am going to put more live rock in and fish for the tank. While the damsels were in the tank the Amonia and Nitrite levels were both Around 0 so I figured the tank was done cycling. Like i said i took the damsels out and added about 20 lbs of Live rock. It has been a day since i added the live rock and took out the damsels.

The amonia is now around .25 and the nitrite is about .3 - .4 !

Since this is my first reef aquarium i dont know if this is typical after adding a large amount of live rock because of all the dead particles in it or what.

So my question is, Is this typical and the levels will drop to zero again over time or do i need to do serious water changes and add the damsels again?

I was also wondering if these levels are even toxic to fish, anenomies, or coral. For fish specifically tangs, clowns, and gobies.

[BubbaWPB]

This is normal; that's why you don't add uncured live rock to tank with fish - the ammonia, nitrite and nitrate spike and may kill your critters.

Your tank is cycling, since the levels are low, just let it cycle and be patient. Ammonia and nitrite will drop back to zero. By the way, don't forget to watch your nitrates... when they get high, then it's time to change water. (When are nitrates high? You want them below 5 for invertebrates, and below 20 for fish only.)

By the way, a pound of live rock per gallon of water is the minimal recommended amount to ensure a stable tank.

Good luck!

[DiSkuStiNg]

Thanks for the help, One more question though. Are there any specific type of test kits that are really accurate and easy to read? The current one I am using is a little iffy' on the readings and it would help to have an accurate one. Any suggestions?

[BubbaWPB]

Most brnads for ammonia,, nitrite and nitrate are acceptable... but Salifert has the best reputation, IMHO. It's never a bad idea to double check your readings (a "second opinion")... you can probably take a sample of your water to your local fish store (if there is one locally) and they will probably test it for you.

[DiSkuStiNg]

Does pH raise over time because my pH was about 7.8 and I added a Whole carton of pH buffer and the pH didn't change at all. I was very confused. Does pH raise over time? Ive had the water running for about 5 weeks and it has not raised from 7.8 even with a whole carton of pH buffer. Any secrets to raising pH?

[DiSkuStiNg]

Also I was wondering what RO/ OI water is. Ive seen it posted a bit on these forums and I was wondering if it is lethal to a reef tank to just use normal tap water like I have?