skipped nitrite cycle

[JPKeenan]

messed up that the ammonia has gone down no nitrite spike but nitrates are between 5-10ppm.

Wondering if it is safe to add fish?

Edit: ammonia is below .25, nitrite 0, nitrate 2.5 or so.

 

[jim692]

How many ppm ammonia are you dosing?
I would not add fish until ammonia and nitrite are being converted to 0 ppm levels within 24 hours of dosing for 3 days straight.
Then do a large PWC to get the nitrate levels down before adding any fish.

The longer you mature your tank the better really. Being patient is hard but it will be rewarded.

 

[mgamer20o0]

fishless or fish cycle?

checked your water for nitrates?

 

[SHARPiE]

I have cycled a few tanks in the past, and I have NEVER had a nitrite reading. When ammonia is zero, nitrite is zero and nitrate is RISING (EG test 10ppm one test and 20ppm next test) you are done.

 

[JPKeenan]

fishless cycle.... I dose with some ammonia, let it sit for 2 or 3 days then test.

 

[mgamer20o0]

how long have you been cycling? i would bump the ammonia back up and test everyday i am sure you will see it.

 

[JPKeenan]

It's been about 3 weeks or more.... this tank is driving me batty!

 

[SHARPiE]

Try adding some Stress Zyme -
This is Live Bacteria and I have had awesome success with this. Some swear by it (me) others really dislike it.

I cycled my 10g and 42g tanks in a little under 2 weeks for each tank (using stress zyme)