[Sage Hen]

I was testing my water this morning and my nitrate is 0, ammonia is .01 so I am getting close. I went ahead and did a total ammonia test (I am using Seachem brand kit) and my total ammonia reading is about 4.0. Will my total ammonia fall as well to "0" as my LR cures and tank cycles? I guess what I am asking is should all 3 of these readings be "0" before I add my substrate?

[glampka]

You should have your live sand in there right from the beginning. Your ammonia readings will peak & go to 0. As your ammonia levels are rising, you're nitrites will begin to rise, peak & go to 0. After the nitrites peak, your nitrates will start to rise. Then you can do a partial water change & start adding livestock.

[Tonz of fun]

I agree with glampka. In fact your tank will cycle faster with your sand and rock verses just the rock...

[Sage Hen]

O-boy....I get to buy sand! I did a nitrate and ammonia test the day after I put my rock in just to see what "off the chart" levels looked like, it's been cool watching the levels fall. Thanks for the info.

[Tonz of fun]

If your levels are zero and you put your sand in there you may get another mini cycle...