My test results, I think my cycle is done. HELP

[zacdl]

OK, after being gone a week, I tested the water today and here is what I found:

SG is steady at 1.0225
PH is steady around 8.15
Nitrites are gone pretty much, just a SLIGHT trace
Nitrates are abotu the same they have been, about 15 or so (The higher numbers all look the same color to me)
Alk is 5
Total ammonia is a SLIGHT trace amount
Free Ammonia is 0 (As always was)



So... My ammonia has risen and fallen. My nitrites are now 0, and they were readable before that (I guess their peak was when I was away).
And my nitrates are now very presant.

IS MY CYCLE DONE?

If it is, do I need to keep some ammonia in there until I get a fish (The shrimp is about half gone now)??????????????
Should I wait til i get some rock before adding fish??????????

 

[Phyl]

Sounds like it is just about done. If your alk is measured in dKH it is a little low and you'll want to buffer that back up to between 9 & 12.

Your half gone shrimp will continue to feed the cycle. I'd get the rock now and put that straight in and put your first fish in QT. That way you can watch for a mini-cycle without fish in your tank and your fish will be happier because they will have a place to hide!

 

[zacdl]

I was meaning, if I dont get a fish after the shrimp is gone (IT may be a while), will the cycle have to be re-done?