Is my cycle cycling?

[holbritter]

Hi all.
Started testing after a week, and here's my readings (I'm using a FW master kit)

12/1
ph 8.0
Ammon. 1.0
Nitrate 5.0
Nitrite 0.0

12/3
ph 8.0
Ammon. 1.0
Nitrate 5.0
Nitrite .25

12/5
ph 8.0
Ammon. 1.0 - 2.0
Nitrate 5.0
Nitrite .25

I'm doing the fishless, and "feeding" the tank with flakes.
How is it coming along? Besides the ph being high, nothing seems to be moving that much, and the Nitrate, not budging.

Just want to know if it's normal
Thanks

Oh, yeah....and when do I do my first water change?

 

[Pallen81]

It's going fine. You're doing good. The whole process will take about 4-6 weeks. So don't sweat it. Sit back and be patient.

To be honest, when I set up a new tank I don't even test it for a month. I let nature run its course. Then after the 1st month I finally test it to see whats goin on in there. after seeing my results i either move forward or continue to let it cycle. I always believe in being as safe as possible before adding fish. the longer you let it go, the better.

about the water change. I guess if you want you can do one every week or two weeks, but in my opinion it doesn't matter very much. the bacteria you are trying to establish is on the all surfaces in the tank (glass, gravel, decor, filter). The water itself doesn't really have alot of these. so i say the water changes are up to you.

Good luck. In a few weeks, you'll be ready to go.

 

[holbritter]

Thanks!

 

[rsanz]

You don't need to do water changes during a fishless cycle. Your progress looks good.

Good luck!