How Long Do Nitrite Spikes Last?

Title says it all, how long does a nitrite spike last in a cycle? My ammonia took between 1-2 weeks before it dropped, so I'm guessing it takes twice as long? My cycle started in the middle/towards the end of January.

What are signs of a stalled cycle? I don't believe I'm stalled, it's a fishless cycle and my nitrites are 5+, but my nitrates are remaining at a constant 10 ppm. Thoughts?

It's a 40 gallon breeder, idk if bigger tanks just take longer to cycle.

 

Tank size has little to do with how long it takes. Bacteria only grow at a certain rate. As far as time wise for the nitrites it is so dependent on your water. There is no set time. I have a well so my water isn't treated and I can cycle a tank in 4 weeks with out adding bacteria booster. Water treated with chlorine kills off all the bacteria weather good or bad so they take a little longer.

 

Tank size has little to do with how long it takes. Bacteria only grow at a certain rate. As far as time wise for the nitrites it is so dependent on your water. There is no set time. I have a well so my water isn't treated and I can cycle a tank in 4 weeks with out adding bacteria booster. Water treated with chlorine kills off all the bacteria weather good or bad so they take a little longer.

I just realized water with high pH ranges can slow the growth of bacteria, and my water is like 8.2. My tap also has no nitrites or nitrates or ammonia, I wish I had your water lol

I know you said there is no specific set time, but how many weeks until you start to think something's wrong with your cycle?

 

I would say if you don't see a change in 2 weeks it may have stalled. But nothing in your water readings should cause that. Nitrites are high but not high enough to hurt your cycle.

 

I would say if you don't see a change in 2 weeks it may have stalled. But nothing in your water readings should cause that. Nitrites are high but not high enough to hurt your cycle.

Thanks! I've been using fish food to cycle and I've been noticing when the ammonia goes up, it suddenly drops the next day. I believe I saw a tiny drop in nitrites, unless it was just my lighting.