Fishless Cycle update and questions

[mctypething]

As a quick recap, I added a half cup of ammonia to my 55 gal two weeks ago and realized after that was way too much. I did two very large water changes in the ensuing days and 5 days ago, after the second large water change got the ammonia down to around 4 ppm.

The ammonia stayed at 4 (or close to it) for 5 days. Today I tested for ammonia and nitrites. Ammonia was noticeably down, but not quite at zero yet, and nitrites were at least 5 ppm and probably more. I'm really excited that things seem to be moving along. I have two questions.

1) Is now the time to add more ammonia? If so, how much? I'm very cautious about the amount to add since I added way too much initially.

2) I'm going to be out of town this weekend and I'm afraid I'm going to ruin the cycle. Is there anything I can do to make sure the bacteria don't die off while I'm gone.

Thanks for everyone's help, I'm really happy to see my nitrites spiking!

 

[mgamer20o0]

1 a couple drops at a time then test. keep to a target of 3-5ppm.
2 just does right before you leave and test when you get back.

 

[neilanh]

Agree with the above. Once daily dose it back up to between 3-5ppm.

If you're only gonna be gone for 2 days, no worries. Dose it right up to 5ppm before you leave, dose it again right when you get back. You'll be fine.