First time cycling questions

[jimpru]

My first large tank (220gal)along with a my first fish less cycling. So I have a lot of first.

My setup.
Tank is 72x24x30
Running two ehiem 2217's.
2 fluval 300w heaters
Substrate is Eco complete for cichlids about 160lbs.
River rocks and 1 piece of drift wood
Plants are amazon sword, java fern, Java moss, and Anubis

Used API Master test kit
Ph 8.0
Ammonia 0

I have been at it for about a week I used ammonia to start the cycling with (that was not easy in my area but found Ace janitorial)

I know my filters are not enough for a tank of this size but budget is limited. Eventually I will be adding an eheim 2262 to help

Thus far I have been getting a reading of .05 after that I add ammonia to bring the level back up to about 3-4ppm. Am I doing it correctly? Also just checked nitrites and have a reading o about 2.0ppm. Just checking to make sure I am on the right path. As I understand it I need to wait for the ammonia to. Go to zero within 24hrs before I start water changes

All input is greatly appreciated.

 

[dalto]

Sounds like you are doing it correctly.

Your cycle is finished when both ammonia and nitrite go back to 0 within 24 hours. The only reasons to do a water change is if your pH is crashing or you have a huge nitrite spike.

 

[ScotJudd]

When cycling I use water changes to keep nitrite and nitrate at least mid scale on the test card. If it's off the scale then I can't really see what the tank is doing. But you are definitely on the right path.
Envious of your tank!


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