I also have somewhat of a similar problem. I am in the process of a fishless cycle. I'm into my 5th week of the fishless cycle. My readings are as follows: Ammonia ~.25-.5ppm, Nitrite ~0-.25ppm, and nitrate ~5ppm (maybe less). My test kit is an api master kit and still in date (has not expired). My question is this shouldn't the ammonia drop to zero first before seeing the nitrite drop close to zero? In other words the ammonia drops then nitrites peaks and drops then nitrates should peak and remain. I assume nothing is wrong and from what I gathered on this forum is that eventually the ammonia will drop and the nitrate will rise to the apropriate level of 20-40ppm. Any comments as to my cycling welcomed. I will not at this time adding any more ammonia (to keep the nitrite colony going) because I still have some ammonia remaining. I normally use amquel plus as my conditioner but, did not (used tetra) because this as well as Prime are known to give false readings after cycling. Again any comments as far as my cycling process are appreciated.
Thanks
Chris
Thanks
Chris
