Yeah...Nitrite spike!!!

[Graybeard]

It has been about 3 weeks since I set up the 20 gl tank, no fish and added 10% ammonia to a level of 4ppm. nitrites have been .5 ppm for a long time and ammonia between 3-4 ppm. I checked ammonia today an it's close to 2 ppm and nitrites are 2 ppm. Maybe the cycle is finally moving forward.

Do I need a PWC or can I let the bacteria feast on the remaining ammonia another week?

 

[Lonewolfblue]

If no fish in the tank, no PWC's necessary. Now that nitrites are moving, when ammonia gets to 0, just bring it back up to 1-2ppm. And keep testing.

 

[Graybeard]

Is the addition of more ammonia necessary?

 

[Lonewolfblue]

Yes. To properly cycle the tank, you need to keep adding 1-2ppm ammonia when ammonia reaches 0. You do this until both ammonia and nitrite drop to 0 in 24 hours, then you are cycled. Then you add fish. But until then, you are not cycled, and need to keep dosing ammonia. Cycling can take up to 6-8 weeks.

 

[Graybeard]

OK, thanks for the clarification.

 

[Lonewolfblue]

So if you see your ammonia dropping and your nitrite rising, you are on the right path. Keep up with the dosing, and good work.