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Cycling is the step new shrimp keepers most often rush, and it’s the number-one reason first shrimp die. Log each test here as you go: the tracker shows which stage your tank is in and tells you when it looks cycled. Your log stays in this browser — nothing is uploaded.
The three stages
| Stage | What you’ll see | Typical timing |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Ammonia | Ammonia rises; nitrite and nitrate near zero | Days 1–10 |
| 2. Nitrite | Ammonia falls, nitrite spikes | Weeks 2–4 |
| 3. Cycled | 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, nitrate rising | Weeks 3–6 (longer below 70 °F) |
When is a shrimp tank really ready?
The common test for a cycled tank is that it clears 2 ppm of ammonia to zero ammonia and zero nitrite within 24 hours. For shrimp, wait a little longer: they graze on biofilm and algae that take weeks to develop. Many keepers add shrimp 4–8 weeks after setup, once surfaces have a visible film.
FAQ
Do active soils affect the cycle?
Yes. Many active soils leach ammonia for the first few weeks, which fuels the cycle — but it also means you must wait until the leaching stops before adding shrimp.
Can I use bottled bacteria?
Bacteria starters can shorten the cycle, but test to confirm rather than trusting the label’s timeline.
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