Why Hasn't The Nitrite Cycle Started In My Saltwater Aquarium Yet?

Question

I am definately not a beginner but I am far from an expert as well. However, I can't understand why my 46 gallon saltwater tank hasn't started cycling yet? It has been set for 3 weeks. I've added 80lbs of pre-cured live rock 2 weeks ago abd last week I added 2 damsels. I have dual carbon trickle filtration with bio-wheel.

I've tested my water 3 times and my Ammonia, Nitrites and Nitrates all read 0ppm. Now after 3 weeks and having the fish and live rock, I should definately have a reading, right??

Can anyone shed some light on this since the whole nitrogen cycle usually only takes 4-6 weeks and after 3 I have none??

Thanks!!

Answer 1

Your tank is cycled with 80 pounds of rock that took care of it. Now I would start testing for nitrate and phosphates and keep these low with water changes and do not over feed!

Answer 2

cured live rock was your keyword here

if you use that, it basically instantly cycles your tank

if you would have gotten uncured live rock, your tank would have gone through the whole nitrogen cycle

now you just need to make sure that you keep up with your parameters