Confused on Fishless Cycle Process

[Cribbinator]

Hello,

Well my tanks have been cycling for about a week now but now I am stuck as what to do next. When I read my ammonia levels in both tanks they are at about 5ppm and have been for the past 3 days. I haven't added any ammonia for the past 3 days since both tanks have been steady at 5ppm and I don't want it to rise any higher ... I don't right ? My question is do I just make sure the ammonia stays at 5ppm until I see Nitrites and then lower my dose of ammonia to produce 3ppm ? Until I get a reply I will just keep holding the ammonia at 5ppm and only add ammonia until I visibly see the ammonia drop if it all. Any help and/or info would be appreciated.

Thanks,

James

[TKOS]

Yes, hold the ammonia at 5ppm for now. It can take awhile for the bacteria to start to establish themselevs. If you can get some rocks or filter material from an established tank then it will help speed things up greatly.