Ok, after getting mature media last week my cycle has been flying. I just want to make sure I'm doing it correctly. I know the general amm--->nitrite--->nitrate

I'm measurable for all. Do I just keep going? Or do I need a water change. Nitrites are 10ppm Should I do a PWC to get it down to <5?
Nitrates are 30ppm
Ammonia was 1ppm this morning after being 3ppm lastnight.

I just want to make sure I do a PWC if I need to. I know the cycle is finished when the tank can convert the 3ppm of ammonia to 0 nitrite in a day or less right?

Thanks for any guidance! ! ! ! ! !



edit: After reading some more I think I'm good and don't need a PWC. I was getting nitrates confused with nitrites and the only way to get nitrates out is a PLWC. So I'll just keep adding ammonia until my tank can process 3ppm in 12 hours.

Sounds like you've got things well in hand. Kudos on being patient and not adding fish.

__________________
Officially fishless until after the move....tune in later for details!

Nitrites 10? What testing kit are you using?

Tetra strips

I know API Master kit is better, but this is what I have for now.

I just want to be sure I'm right here. As long as the ammonia keeps going down, and my nitrites are off the tetra strips chart, I still keep adding ammonia correct?

strips arent the most reliable you DO NOT want to do any pwcs or any water changes at all,that defeats the purpose of doing a cycle.and yes kudos to you for being patient.i was fighting patients when i cycled mine haha.

but you do want to invest in a MTK because it will help in the long run and you will want LIQUID test kits the strips arent very acuarate or however you spell it.and you need to make sure before putting fish in that you check your levels.check your levels weekly to make sure everythings going smoothly. keep a log of the dates time of day and time that you do your tests.it will in the long run to tell you when everythings fine.and when everything went wrong.

I have logged everything meticulously. I have API liquid ammonia test just not nitrite or nitrate. I will try to get one this week.

Pet Supplies - Pet Supply Store - Pet Products | PetMountain.com sells independent test kits for all of the API tests, and they have sales and/or free shipping promos on a weekly basis. I buy my API test products and all my spare parts for my AC50 filter from there.

If that helps...

Oh, and the good news is the test strips get used up pretty quick.

__________________
Officially fishless until after the move....tune in later for details!