cycling in process, no changes yet, is that normal?

[ouiouigirl]

Hello to all,
I am doing a fishless cycle for freshwater in a 35 g hex tank. Started a bit over a week ago and all my levels have remained the same:

Nitrates: 0
Nitrites: 0
Ph: 7.4
hardness:120
Alkalinity: 80
Amonia: 5ppm
temp: 79

it's been like this since day one and for 9 days now.

I am maintaining the amonia level when I see it drops a bit but am concerned that the nitrites have not started moving up yet. Is that normal, I thought I was to start seeing changes in nitrites within the first week.
thanks.
Sophia

 

[jennypenny]

I would't worry too much, some cycles are slower than others. It can take two months or more for a tak to cycle. Although it may also only take a few weeks.

 

[ouiouigirl]

I am using the mardel strips, what do you think? I keep on reading that strips are inaccurate.

 

[jennypenny]

I do prefer liquid tests, but I would still say you are just early in the cycle.