Fishless cycling?

[goldfishlover101]

My 20 gallon aquarium has been cycling for over two weeks now. (About 18 days now) and as of yesterday the ammonia was around .25-.50ppm, the nitrites really high around 10 ppm and the nitrates around 20 ppm. Is my tank almost done cycling? Will the nitrites go down soon, and is it okay if the ammonia gets to 0 before the nitrites go to 0ppm?

Sorry for so many questions, here's another: The water in my tank needs to be filled up about an inch, will it harm the cycling process any way if I add some de-chlorinated water to the fish tank?

Thank you for all your help.

 

[goldfishlover101]

Bump

 

[thominil]

No, adding the water will not hurt the cycle. Yes, It is okay if the ammonia hits zero before nitrites hit 0. Just keep adding in ammonia to keep the nitrifying bacteria fed.

 

[goldfishlover101]

Thank you, i was just making sure. I wouldn't want to nitrifying bacteria to starve. I am adding 8 drops of ammonia per day.

 

[mgamer20o0]

generally it can take 4-6 weeks some times more. looks like you are doing fine.