Well, I haven't posted any more results because there haven't been any more. Nitrite went off the scale, and everything stopped right there. Looks like the Cycle worked for about a week then died off
.
I've done several 50% water changes to replenish nutrients and tried waiting things out and still no changes at all (other than the ammonia levels after redosing).
I did find a recommendation for filters from
these guys. The sell and ship sponge filters that have been seeded in their tanks for 4-6 weeks. I ordered two and they arrived today. They were shipped in a bag with a few inches of what I'm sure was tank water. Both sponges were wet all the way through when I opened them. I cut one up into half inch squares and put them in my canister filter and I hooked the other up to my airline by the instructions.
If this doesn't get me cycled, I don't know what else to do...so I'm staying optimistic
Current levels are:
Ammo 3
Nitrites 0
Nitrates 20
pH 7.9
Temp 85