Hi, I am looking for some advice here. I have tried reading through this thread for already asked questions that fit mine, but there are now sooo many pages after about 50 of them I kinda gave up. So, sorry if you have already helped someone with the same issue.
I am following your guide for fishless cycling. It has been 4 weeks. Last week, my Nitrates looked to me like they were off the chart, as was the nirtite so I performed about 60% water change. It's been a week, and my nitrite is holding steady at about 5ppm, and the nirtrate is about the same. Ammonia the last 2 days or so is completely gone after 24 hours. So I am dosing each night, checking nitrites each morning and nitrates only every few days, since the nitrites haven't budged in the readings. What did I do? Could I have goofed the nitrate test and PWC too early? I can't figure out how it was so high to not moving for a week. My PH is 7.8, in the tank and straight from my tap so there is nothing with that. I have the temp about 84, and its a 10 gallon, so I have the Aqua clear 20 running, no charcoal with an extra filter sponge instead. I used gravel from my larger tank to help, but it doesn't seem like it did. Though I only used 2 handfuls of it and wrapped it in tulle cause I had no panty hose. (Odd for a girl, I know).
\Have I just been bitten with the impatience bug, or did I do something to stall? What can I do for it now? Also, I am using straight ammonia, and yes its the right kind... took forever to find. Blue ribbon and the bottle was opened from the store using it... Gotta love mom and pop shops. I was just happy to find it! Thanks for any help anyone!!!