Fishless cycling

[Dusty280]

I have been fish less cycling my 30 gallon tank for the last 3 weeks. I have dosed with ammonia to accomplish this task. When I dose with ammonia now within 24 hrs the reading goes from 3 ppm to 0. The nitrite readings have been steadily falling and now when tested are about 0.5 ppm. My question: when do I know I am ready for fish. I feel like I am close. Also nitrates are close to off the chart. Thanks for any help that can be provided.

 

[Homedog98]

When your nitrites and ammonia hit 0, and your nitrates are below 40 (preferably below 20.)

 

[roydooms]

Your tank is very close to getting cycled. Once you can't detect ammonia and nitrite (0.0ppm) then your tank is cycled. You'll have to do a huge PWC to lower your nitrate to less than 40ppm. Preferably around 20ppm.

 

[murad]

when they both read 0