Nitrite Spike or Visible? for Cycle?

[Lumpy69]

Snippet from the instructions :

"Record the amount of ammonia that this took, then add that amount daily until the nitrite spikes. Once the nitrite is visible, cut back the daily dose of ammonia to ½ the original volume."

What is it? spike or visible?

My readings as of today -

Date / PH / GH (ppm) / KH (ppm) / NH3 (ppm) / NO2 (mg/l)
9/27/2004 8.2 160 100 0 0
9/28/2004 8.2 140 90 5 0 100 Drops to reach ~4.9ppm
9/29/2004 8.2 140 90 5 0 100 Drops added. (4) Plants Added.
9/30/2004 8.0 100 70 7.3 0 100 Drops added.
10/1/2004 8.0 100 70 7.3 0.1 50 Drops added.

Is 0.1 Nitrite considered a spike? or is it just visable?

Also, noticed my kit doesn't have Nitrate? Is this important?

 

[Lumpy69]

Anyone?

 

[RTR]

Visible will do, it means that your ammonia-oxidizing bacteria are starting to work, converting ammonia to nitrite.

The nitrate test will give you comparable info on the nitrite-oxidizers. You also need to monitor the nitrate levels/titer after the cycle is complete to know that your water changes are doing their job.