Is my tank nearly done cycling?

[Lukie]

Hi!

I have a 120l tank I am setting up, and I put water in it about 2 weeks ago. Immediately got a jump to 8ppm ammonia (aqua soil is to blame supposedly).

I kept testing the water and had no changes in the water, so about a week ago I bought some quick start that adds in stuff for the bacteria apparently, and after a day the ammonia dropped to 4ppm ammonia and my nitrates soared, and i had a small reading of nitrites (under .25ppm).

Today I took a look and I am at about 0.5 ppm ammonia, and my nitrate has come down to 50ish ppm, and I am in the clear for nitrite. Am I supposed to get a nitrite spike? A larger one atleast?

In past I was younger, a little less patient (i wont lie, I still am a little impatient) and I never really studied the cycling process.. just kinda threw my water and quick start in and off I went.

I am just wondering if my tank is heading towards suitable (bear in mind it was a fishless cycle with no established substrate from another tank)..

Any input would be appreciated!

 

[Mebbid]

Generally, we consider a tank fully ctcles when it processes at least 2ppm of ammonia into nitratesbwith no detectable nitrites withon a 24 hour time period. I would give it another day and then see where youre at.

 

[coralbandit]

You may well not see a nitrite spike.
I know of many with this experience.
The bacteria(in the bottle) may be to explain and appears to be working well for you.
+1 with Mebbid.
when you are 0 ammonia dose to 2 ppm and start the clock.
24 hours later
Those are the numbers we want to know!

 

[Lukie]

Oh, neat.

The ammonia dropped from 4 to .5 over 2 days, so I must be close.

I should be waiting until my nitrates go to 0 before I consider beginning my stocking right?