puffer75

Ok, so I have been doing a fishless cycle for about 4 weeks now. Yesterday my readings were finally: 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites, and between 40-80 nitrates. That evening I did a large water change and then dosed my normal amount of ammonia to keep feeding the bacteria. This morning I tested again, and the results are: 0 ammonia, .15 nitrites, and between 10-20 nitrates. My question is should my nitrites always read 0 at this point, or should they only read 0 after 24 hours of ammonia dose? Does this mean my tank is not cycled yet?
Also, since my ammonia is at 0 after about 12 hours, should I be dosing it twice a day, or should I just keep feeding once a day at my normal dose (I give enough to get it up around 2ppm). Will this be enough food for them?

Brimstonepdx

What size tank are you cycling? My guess is that you are still cycling and that you have some bacteria formed but need to grow more for the size of your tank. I'm sure one of the more experienced guys will be around soon. Welcome to FishLore

Beeker

Have you tested your tap water?
Mine has a very small amount of nitrites in it. Time to see how long it takes for the nitrites to disappear.

Lucy

Once a day dose should be fine.
When the bacteria can process the ammonia and nitrites (0 readings for both) in 12-24 hrs, you're tank is cycled.
Beeker has a good point, it wouldn't hurt o test your tap water.

puffer75

It is a 30 gallon tank. I did test my tap water; 0 nitrites.
Beeker: if the nitrites drop to zero this evening (24 hours from last dose of ammonia), would you consider it cycled? I am a little confused about the nitrite readings...should they always be at zero now? Sorry for all of the questions, I just want to be sure my tank is cycled before I put fish in.

puffer75

Thank you for the info on ammonia and nitrites readings Lucy. I didn't see your reply before I posted...must have been typing!

Lucy

I didn't see your reply before I posted...must have been typing![/quote]

Your welcome, if I haven't said it before, Welcome to
Fish Lore.

Happens all the time. lol
Congrats on going Fish Less!